The Game Localization Handbook (Game Development Series) - Softcover

Chandler, Heather

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1584503432 ISBN 13: 9781584503439

Publisher: Charles River Media, 2004

Synopsis

As games become more popular in international markets, developers and publishers need to know how to capitalize on these opportunities quickly. The Game Localization Handbook is a comprehensive guide to producing localized games for any platform. Written for producers, translators, development personnel, studio management, publishers, and anyone involved directly or indirectly with the production of localized games, the book provides insightful guidelines to all the tasks involved. The topics covered are divided into five main areas that provide details on the major aspects of game localization. The first part defines localizations and discusses how to start thinking in a global mindset. It provides a general overview of each phase of the localization process, including localization, internationalization, and software age ratings requirements. The next section discusses how to plan your localizations. You'll also find details on what pre-production tasks are required, along with specifics on creating localization-friendly code, working with third-party vendors, console submissions processes, and determining budgets, schedules, and staffing needs. Part three delves into the core of the production process and discusses what is involved in producing final, code-released localized versions. Practical information is also presented on organizing assets for translations, asset integration, and testing. The next section focuses on the tasks that happen after the bulk of the games localization is finished, including marketing, creating localized demos, and assembling localization kits. In the final part, you'll explore common localization pitfalls and ways to avoid them, including a case study of the localization of the Xbox(r) version of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Island Thunder. If you're part of the development teamed tasked with localizing your games, this is a must-have resource!

About this title

Synopsis

As games become more popular in international markets, developers and publishers are looking for ways to localize their games quickly in order to capitalize on these markets. The Game Localization Handbook provides game developers with a detailed process for planning and executing successful localizations. Written for project managers and translators, the book details the many special considerations to make when working on game localizations, focusing on near-simultaneous releases. The content will also be of interest to anyone who needs to create localization-friendly games, including programmers, artists, designers, and testers. It begins with an overview of what localization is and how to determine the costs. From there, the book delves into the technical issues of organizing assets for translation, integrating and testing localized assets, and localizing for specific platforms, including the Xbox[trademark], PlayStation[registered], Game Cube[trademark], Game Boy Advance[trademark], PC, and handhelds. Coverage of pre-production, production, and how to work with third parties such as Microsoft[registered] and Nintendo[registered] is also included.

In addition, case studies and interviews from industry professionals are used throughout to provide real-world examples and insights into the localization process. The book concludes with a discussion of the potential pitfalls of localization.

About the Author

Heather Chandler (Raleigh, NC) has over eight years of international experience in creating multimedia with a number of different platforms, including PC, Internet, and Film. She has worked at Activision, Electronic Arts, and Red Storm Entertainment in a variety of production roles, and she contributed articles to Secrets of the Game Business (Charles River Media, 2003).

Edition details

• Publisher: Charles River Media
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1584503432
• ISBN 13: 9781584503439
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 338