Are you a game developer looking to expand your market reach? Have you considered targeting seniors by localizing video games? You might be surprised to learn that the elderly demographic is not only interested in entertainment but also a significant portion of them own smartphones and are willing to use them for gaming. In this article, we’ll delve into the untapped potential of localizing your games for seniors and how it can benefit your business. Keep reading to find out more!
As the world becomes more connected, seniors are not being left behind. In fact, the number of elderly individuals using smartphones has seen a significant increase in recent years. And this trend shows no signs of slowing down. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the data on seniors and smartphone use.
The Senior Market: How Many Seniors Are There in the World and Where Are They Located?
- There are approximately 50 million seniors in the United States, and 61% of them own a smartphone, according to a report by the Pew Research Center. In 2012, that number was only 13%.
- Europe: 70% of seniors (148 million adults aged 65 and over) in the European Union own a smartphone.
- In Asia, smartphone ownership among seniors (over 650 million people) is also high. 76% of Japanese seniors and 88% of South Korean seniors own a smartphone.
- In the Middle East and Africa, the number of seniors (150 million) using smartphones is also increasing. 74% of Israeli seniors and 73% of South African seniors own a smartphone.
These statistics unquestionably show that the number of seniors using smartphones has significantly increased worldwide in recent years. In all regions, the trend is upwards, with seniors increasingly adopting and using smartphones as a part of their daily lives.
The senior market is certainly a massive opportunity for game creators: with hundreds of millions of elderly gamers waiting for your next release, it’s time to tap into this untapped demographic.
Here are some key considerations for game developers looking to localize video games for seniors:
- Simplicity: Many seniors may not be as familiar with technology as younger people, so it is important to ensure that the game is easy to understand and navigate. This may involve simplifying game mechanics, providing clear instructions and tutorials, and minimizing the use of technical jargon.
- Accessibility: It is important to make the game accessible for seniors with disabilities or age-related issues. This may involve providing options for larger text, higher contrast, and alternative control methods, such as voice commands or single-finger touch controls.
- Cultural sensitivity: Seniors may have different cultural and social values than younger people, so it is important to consider these differences when localizing the game. This may involve adapting the game’s content, such as references and imagery, to fit the cultural norms of the target market.
- Language: It is important to ensure that the game is translated accurately and that the translation is easy to understand for seniors. This may involve using simpler language and avoiding technical jargon.
- Marketing: To reach seniors, it is important to use marketing channels and tactics that are effective for this demographic. This may involve using social media platforms that are popular among seniors, such as Facebook, or targeting seniors through print or television advertising.
Conclusion
Localizing video games is crucial for game developers looking to expand their market reach and bring their games to a global audience. It can increase sales, and player retention, and allow game developers to compete in a global market.
By targeting specific market segments, such as seniors, game developers can further expand their reach and tap into new opportunities. As a professional translation agency, Slavis Translations is committed to providing high-quality game localization services. Our team of experienced translators and localization experts can help ensure that your game is properly adapted for your target market. For more information, visit our website at https://slavis.net/en/translation-services.