Video game localization involves adapting a game for a specific region or language, and it is an important process for ensuring that games are accessible and enjoyable for players around the world. One key tool that is commonly used in the video game localization process is CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) software.
This article provides answers to important questions about the role of CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools in video game localization, including:
- What are CAT tools and how do they support translation efficiency, accuracy, and consistency?
- What is SDLXLIFF and why is it a popular exchangeable format in the video game industry?
- What are tags and why are they important in the localization process?
- How do CAT tools manage tags to preserve the formatting and display of content?
- How can CAT tools help to save time and money in the translation process?
What are CAT tools?
CAT tools are software programs that are designed to assist with the translation process by providing a range of features and tools to support translation efficiency, accuracy, and consistency. Some key features of CAT tools include:
- Translation memory: This feature allows users to store previously translated content and use it as a reference when translating new content. Translation memory can help to ensure that translations are consistent and accurately reflect the style and tone of the original text.
- Terminology management: This feature allows users to create and maintain a database of approved terms and phrases that are used consistently in the translation process. This can help to ensure that translations are accurate and consistent and that the same terms and phrases are used consistently throughout the game.
- Accuracy and consistency check: Some CAT tools include features that allow users to check the accuracy and consistency of translations, such as spell check and grammar check tools. These features can help to catch errors and ensure that translations are of high quality.
- Quality control: Many CAT tools include quality control features that allow users to set criteria and check the quality of translations according to these criteria. This can help to ensure that translations meet the required standards of quality and are ready for release.
What is SDLXLIFF
and why is it a leader as an exchangeable format between video game producers and localization teams? SDLXLIFF (SDL Translation Interchange File Format) is a file format that is commonly used in the localization industry as a standard format for exchanging translation content between different parties. SDLXLIFF is a proprietary file format developed by SDL, a leading provider of translation software and services.
One reason that SDLXLIFF is a popular exchangeable format in the video game industry is that it is compatible with a variety of translation software tools, including SDL Trados Studio, which is widely used in the localization industry. This allows different parties, such as video game developers and localization teams, to easily exchange translation content and collaborate on projects using a common file format.
What are tags
and why are these important? In the context of localization, tags are specific markers or codes that are used to identify and distinguish different types of content within a file. For example, in a text file containing dialogue for a video game, tags may be used to identify the speaker of each line of dialogue, the language the dialogue is written in, and any special formatting or effects that should be applied to the text.
Tags are important in the localization process because they help to ensure that the formatting and display of the content is preserved and that the translations are accurately applied to the appropriate content. For example, if a tag is used to identify the speaker of each line of dialogue, the localization team will know which character is speaking and can ensure that the translation reflects this.
How do CAT tools manage tags during Video Game Translation
CAT tools typically have features that allow users to handle tags in the translation process. For example, in SDL Trados Studio, users can specify which tags should be preserved during the translation process and which tags should be treated as regular text. Users can also specify custom tag protection rules to handle specific tags or types of content.
By managing tags in this way, CAT tools can help to ensure that the formatting and display of content is not affected during the translation process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools play a vital role in the video game localization process by providing a range of features and tools to support translation efficiency, accuracy, and consistency. Therefore if you are looking for someone to translate your video game, it is important to ensure that they are experienced and skilled in using CAT tools and other appropriate tools.
The benefits of using CAT tools in video game translation include the ability to:
- Manage tags, variables, and codes to preserve formatting and display of content
- Easily export and import files for translation
- Manage terminology to ensure consistent use of approved terms and phrases
- Save time and money through features such as translation memory and internal repetitions
At Slavis Translations, we have definitely a wealth of experience in using CAT tools and other technical tools to ensure that your video game translations are of the highest quality. If you are in need of professional translation services, we invite you to contact us and see how we can help you with your translation needs.