China’s gaming business is rising with its rich history, stunning scenery, and great food. With mobile gaming and Chinese-made games on the increase, game translation is essential. This gives foreigners interested in working in China’s game business additional chances. This blog explores international game localization employment in China.
Localization involves translating a game into a certain language or culture. China requires translating games into Chinese and making cultural changes to appeal to the Chinese market. This is vital in China, with its large population and distinct culture.
With over 776 million players and $33.1 billion in sales in 2019, China is the biggest gaming market. Game developers must consider Chinese players’ cultural inclinations. Game translation lets creators access into this large market and secure their game’s success.
China Game Localization Jobs Types
Translate
The majority of game localization jobs in China are translation. Translating all in-game text, conversation, and other writing to Chinese is required. Chinese has several dialects and characters, thus organizations need native speakers or skilled bilinguals to assure accurate translation.
Translators often modify cultural allusions, idioms, and humor to make the game more Chinese-friendly. This demands extensive knowledge of Chinese culture and game trends.
QA Localization Tester
QA is essential for game translation. QA translation testers check the translated game for correctness, functionality, and defects. They must also ensure the game is culturally suitable for the audience.
This work involves a passion of gaming, attention to detail, and proficiency in Chinese and the original game language. QA localization testers are crucial to Chinese gamers’ gaming experience.
Culture Specialist
Culturalization is essential for Chinese game localization. Culturalization entails customizing the game to Chinese players’ customs and interests. Changes may include game language, characters, settings, and graphics.
Culturalization professionals are multilingual and know gaming and Chinese culture well. They make the game seem real and enticing to Chinese users, increasing its commercial potential.
Get a Chinese game localization job
1. Learn Chinese
Learn Chinese to get a game localization job in China. Language fluency is required for most localization tasks. Mandarin is the official language of mainland China and the most widely spoken Chinese dialect.
You may study Chinese online or at a language school. You may also learn about the culture by reading Chinese novels, watching Chinese movies and TV programs, and conversing with local speakers.
2. Game Experience
Gaming expertise helps when applying for Chinese localization jobs. Companies favor people that love gaming and know industry trends and terminology.
Game jams, fan translations, and game creation may provide you gaming experience. This will boost your talents and show your industry devotion.
3. Create Professional Portfolio
A game localization job in China requires a translation and cultural knowledge portfolio. Include game translations and culturalization initiatives in your portfolio.
Sample translations of existing games may demonstrate your talents if you have no experience. Partner with independent game creators to localize their games for your portfolio.
Working in China for Game Localization Benefits
High Demand
The Chinese game localization market is developing, requiring qualified individuals. This means foreigners wishing to work in China’s gaming business have several options.
Competitive Pay
As game translation grows in China, so do these occupations’ compensation. Game translation wages in China depend on experience, language competency, and position. But they’re usually higher than other translation or language professions.
Chinese Culture Exposure
You may learn about Chinese culture, language, and customs by localizing games in China. Working with a varied team and learning from various viewpoints is also possible.
Localizing Games in China: Challenges
1. Language, Culture Difference
Language and cultural barriers make game localization in China difficult. Foreigners may need to learn new work cultures and workflows. You may also need to overcome cultural differences and communication difficulties to work with your team.
2. High Expectations
High standards and expectations are typical of China’s gaming sector. Chinese game localization demands precision. Working under pressure and pursuing excellence is required.
3. Visa Needed
Foreigners need work visas to work in China. This may be a long and difficult procedure, therefore organizations usually recruit experienced workers with visas. Some corporations fund foreign workers’ visas, making China employment simpler.