Have you ever considered a career in video games? In 2023, the global video game market reached approximately $184.0 billion in revenue [Newzoo], creating exciting opportunities within the industry for graduates.
One thing we repeatedly hear from graduates looking to join us at Keywords Studios is that they weren’t aware of the variety of roles that work behind the scenes to contribute to some of the most well-known and loved video games on the market. Working in the video game industry goes far beyond just playing testing games – from animators to voice actors to LQA (Localisation Quality Assurance) testers, there’s a wide array of specialisations to explore.
In this article, we’re shining a spotlight on one of those career paths: how to become a localisation professional in the video games industry.
What is localisation?
Localisation is a key step in the video game development process. It allows publishers and developers to connect with players around the world by adapting games for different regions, cultures and languages. Localisation is more than direct translation – it’s about culturally adapting a game for each region and audience. It considers regional dialects, linguistics, and cultural nuances.
Video game localisation can include services, such as translation, audio localisation, and localisation game testing – all critical to creating a seamless and immersive player experience.
Investing in high-quality localisation is crucial to ensuring a game truly connects with audiences worldwide. Mistakes in localisation, even small ones, can break the flow of a game and detract from players’ enjoyment and perception of it.
Top 4 Skills for a Career in Localisation
Specific localisation experience in video games is not necessary to land your first job in the industry. If you have experience in proofreading or translating, even informally – you may already have valuable transferable skills.
While a degree in linguistics, translation, or philology is not required, it is a definite advantage when starting a career in localisation.
Here are four key skills to develop when preparing to apply for your first localisation job:
1. Language Proficiency
Language proficiency is, of course, high on the list for aspiring localisation professionals.
Being proficient in more than one language is a significant advantage. If you are working in a global company, English is usually a must, but specialising in additional languages will make your application stand out.
When deciding which language to focus on, make sure to also consider which regional variant to specialise in – do you want to focus on European Spanish or Latin American Spanish? Brazilian or European Portuguese? There are about 7,000 different languages in the world, plus their regional variants, so make sure to do your research before committing to a path.
2. Understanding the Cultural Context
Content needs to be translated correctly, but it also needs to be culturally appropriate for local users. You’ll need to understand linguistic and dialect nuances, as well as recognise what’s most suitable for a specific cultural context. A joke might be funny in one culture but may not translate well in another – or worse, it could be offensive.
You’ll also need to take into consideration local regulations and censorship. Some sensitive subject matters, such as gambling or blood, might be subject to strict laws depending on the region you are localising for.
3. Attention to Detail
We can’t stress enough how important attention to detail is for translators and localisation testers. Even small errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting can significantly impact the gaming experience.
Your day-to-day role will involve proofreading text across various formats and software interfaces, from subtitles to in-game dialogue. As a localisation tester, you’ll need to ensure consistency in terminology, style, and tone across different sections of a game. This means cross-referencing glossaries, translation memories, and brand guidelines to maintain linguistic accuracy. You will also be responsible for spotting functional issues such as text truncation, overlapping UI (User Interface) elements, and incorrect character encoding.
4. Technical Literacy
Being tech-savvy is an advantage. Depending on your specific role, technical requirements may vary.
As an LQA tester, you’re likely to use specialised software to create error and bug reports. The specific software required may change based on client systems, so it’s important to be comfortable quickly learning new programs and processes.
If your role is more focused on translation, you’re likely to use specialised translation tools, such as MTPE (Machine Translation Post-Editing) tools.
Ready to Start Your Localisation Journey?
If this article sparked your interest in a career in localisation within the video game industry, make sure to keep an eye on the careers section of our website or get in touch if you have any specific questions.
In a world where language, culture, and video games are deeply intertwined, your expertise could make all the difference in connecting players across diverse languages and cultures – one adventure at a time.
Dorota Kowalaska is a Senior QA Recruiter at Keywords Studios with nearly five years of experience in the gaming industry. Passionate about languages and global collaboration, she thrives in LQA recruitment—where she connects with international talent and celebrates cultural diversity.