How Nintendo’s Gaming Localization Strategy Can Help Your Business

Localizing video game content is an integral part of connecting with target audiences from around the world. While translation refers to the transfer of written content from one language into another, localization focuses on adapting content to fit the linguistic and cultural preferences of different global audiences. Successful localization offered by a serious language service provider such as Language Connections can help your game’s brand expand into different international markets. This is perhaps best evidenced by taking a closer look at how Nintendo conquered the global gaming market starting in the early 1990s. Read on to find out how this gaming industry pioneer used localization services to stand out:

Nintendo’s Gaming Localization Strategies

It is without doubt that Japanese video games have dominated the gaming industry. Nintendo was one of the main companies that paved the way for Japan’s dominance. In 1990, America didn’t allow certain foreign gaming content to be published in American markets since some content was deemed too violent or inappropriate. The gaming industry then introduced a set of policies which forced foreign gaming studios to alter their content for release in America.

As one of the bigger names in the industry, Nintendo America had to follow these rules and use Japanese translation and localization to adapt their content. For instance, in the Japanese version of Super Mario RPG, after winning a battle, Bowser does an arm gesture that is considered positive in Japan but might be rude in other countries. Therefore, Bowser’s gesture had to be changed in the American version.

Back then in the 1990s, Nintendo used to publish a game first and then localize its content with the help of translation services. However, a few years back, Nintendo started to use a slightly different approach. Nintendo now flies in localization specialists to Japan during the developing process of a game and has them look over content and suggest changes. This effort allows their team to minimize the risk of having to make drastic and costly changes during the post-production phase of the game.

Why Gaming Localization Services Matter

Localization is not just a business strategy. It is a bridge that connects cultures and helps facilitate cross-cultural communication.  Working with localization experts will help your business enter new markets, make your product more accessible to local audiences, and ensure that your product is culturally relevant wherever they’re available. For example, experienced localization specialists can help you localize product slogan’s, website content, and user interfaces to align with the preferences of different markets. Localization can even help your organization change your game’s name so that it resonates with audiences around the world.

Localization Services From Language Connections

If you’re looking into expanding your business to global markets and need localization or even interpreting services, Language Connections can help. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Language Connections only works with subject-matter experts that have the necessary abilities and knowledge to help you enter foreign markets and grow your business.