Game Localization Award
At the GDC Localization Summit, there was an extended discussion about having a Localization Award. After all, we all want to have great localizations, and we need something to promote good work, yes?
As discussed, the problem comes from several angles:
- Who is going to judge for the award? While we may have a few individuals competent to judge three, four or five languages, most big titles are now being translated into ten or more languages.
- If we choose to offer the award only for one title in one language (i.e., the German edition of Bioshock), we still need to compare different languages. Since this is always going to be a subjective judgment, who is going to decide?
The other option is to create a Wall of Shame, aka “All your base are belong to us.” This is a much easier process, since most fluent speakers can easily spot a bad translation. The Far East Economic Review had a favorite feature of signs written in bad English from India to the Philippines.
Either of these, the Award or the Wall of Shame, is subject to some political pressure. Any individual or agency will occasionally let loose with a ringer, which can be shown to all the world. If you look carefully enough, you are sure to find some which were penned by your worst enemy.
The best thing would be to issue this award within the countries themselves. It wil be difficult enough to judge the localization of various titles in one language.
Having one award for all languages is practically impossible.
In my opinion a Wall of Shame would not really serve the same purpose as a Loc Award would. One just has to read the various forums for various games and can get a picture about the localization quality.
That alone will not get developers, publishers and localization vendors to commit to quality localizations.
Developers and Publishers would be able to market their product with such a award and so will be able to sell more units of their game. Then sooner or later the whole localization process will have to get more quality oriented, in order to receive this award or at least a nomination. This way everybody will win:
The publisher/developer and localization vendors that supply these quality localizations by making more money.
And last but not least the gamer who can enjoy a well localized game.