Gaming is a global phenomenon, enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures. While the games we play might be the same all over the world, the way they’re translated can sometimes vary depending on where they’re released. Japanese games tend to have unique text and dialogue that’s left untranslated when released in other countries, which can lead to some interesting results. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how translations can change depending on who’s doing them, and explore some of the quirks of translating Japanese games into English for Android devices.
What’s The Difference?
When it comes to translation, there are two ways to approach the text. Translators can work from an already completed translation, or they can handle translation as they go as part of production translation. These different translation methods come with their own pros and cons which we’ll discuss now:
Production Translation
This method is what you’d normally expect when playing a game in another country. Developers will often take professional translation services and work with them throughout development to ensure that all aspects of the game – particularly any non-essential text such as menus and dialogue – are consistent and accurate.
Pros:
- A more authentic translation experience
- Little room for error if done properly
Cons:
- May create inconsistencies due to translation occurring during development
- May require more time and money
Completed Translation
This translation process involves taking a completed translation of the game before it’s ever been released, often by fans. After this translation is complete, the developers will work with professional translation services to make small changes as needed. This can include things like making sure that translations are uniform across different parts of the games (for example: making sure all menus and dialogue use the same terms) or changing how certain text displays due to technical limitations.
Pros:
- Lower risk of errors since translation occurs after development has ended
- Reduces costs for developers
Cons:
- Translators may take creative license in translation (and translate outside of their area of expertise), leading to translation errors
- Translations may not be consistent across different parts of the game
So there you have it! If you want to play some of the newest and most popular games from Japan, but don’t know Japanese, never fear. These translation tools will help make your gaming experience a breeze. Have fun playing all the amazing games that Japan has to offer- in English!
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