You might wonder what role localization plays in evolving games that themselves have the tendency to run on the road of evolution. Video games have been played since the 50s. This article delves into the phenomenon of localization and what role it plays in the evolution of games that were once 2D and now are 3D.
The Evolution of Video Games
The history of video games dates back to the 1950s and 1960s. The first ever video is “Tennis for Two” created in 1958. This game showed moving graphics on an oscilloscope. Since then video games have evolved to a greater degree. For example, the first part of Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog was released in 1991, and now in 2023, its new part has come out. The new part, Sonic Superstars, is so much better and up to date. The graphics in the new part are ultra modern. The latest part contains the newest features, such as the multiplayer option.
The success and evolution of video games is also the contribution of localization platform. It allows developers to localize the video games for the global audience.
The evolution of video games has led to a term known as e-sport gaming. E-sport gaming is a video gaming competition. Now, there are modern and the latest graphics in almost every game you see. The technology that you see in these games is phenomenal. It is one of the reasons that games are so addictive these days.
How Does Game Localization Play a Role in the Evolution of Video Games?
Game localization plays a leading character in the evolution of video games. Video game owners go for localization project management platform to manage the whole process for their game to localize it for a large scale audience. It helps to grab the attention of a huge audience. Also, localization allows game developers to build global game communities by providing translations for User Generated Content (UGC), which comprises content that is solely generated by customers in social groups.
Globalization
The main reason behind the evolution of video games is definitely the revolution in technology. But there is one field that contributes to their success too. Game localization deals with the adaptation of a game according to the demands of the target audience. A complete study of the choices and preferences of the target audience is a must.
This addition of localization helps your brand to make a global appearance in front of the audience. It is localization that has brought games in front of the potential audience. For example, we are all aware of the game Free Fire. Only some of you know that the developer and publisher of the game, Garena, belongs to a Singapore company. It is because of localization that we can easily access the games of the 1990s.
Cultural Acceptance
Developers owe it to game localization management systems that various video games that were at first not liked by everyone are now being accepted globally. Localization strategies make games culturally acceptable in various societies. For example, the removal of intimate graphics and censoring language. Also, the use of symbols prevalent in various cultures increases the interest of people in video games which urges developers to come up with new versions of video games.
Translation into Many Languages
Translation is not a necessary part of localization but it also makes a great contribution to the evolution of video games. It makes it easy for the target audience to easily access and play the games. For example, the famous game “The Last Of Us” has been translated into more than 6 languages.
Legal Approval
Localization of a game includes all aspects in order to make it acceptable globally. Often games consist of some technicalities that are only acceptable in a specific place. The games Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto Vice City were once banned in South Korea because of their violence and brutality. After localizing the games, the game developers got the legal approval of the South Korean government.
The role of localization project management platforms is very evident in this regard. It helps game developers know what to add or remove from their games to make them globally acceptable which evolves games on a larger scale.
Video Games – A Career Opportunity For Youth
Video games are now part of e-sports games. It has come up with many new career opportunities. These opportunities include world class gamers that every year take part in e-sport competitions and bring recognition and fame to their countries. For example, when it comes to professional gamers, China is the most famous Asian country. Different types of games are a part of these gaming competitions, such as racing, multiplayer online battle arenas, digital card games, and many more.
The evolution of such games is proof of the human desire for challenges and entertainment.
Takeaways
Video games have been popular since their invention. Game localization plays a very important role in the global recognition of video games. It erases the cultural and linguistic differences. Once games get legal approval, their success rate skyrockets. It attracts the attention of the potential audience. Video games also play a huge role in providing career opportunities. Hence one can say that localization has really evolved the level of games and brought them into the deserving limelight.
