While its X page launched back in November of 2023, the new Capcom Localization Team has more recently clarified what the company specifically aims to achieve with this new branch.
“Embark on a global adventure through the lens of game localization,” begins a pinned statement from April 11, “Beyond mere translation, we’re diving into the art of cultural adaptation, preserving context, and inclusive storytelling. Join us as we unravel the intricacies that make games resonate worldwide.” Continue on for more.
As alluded to, the most obvious aspect of this curation is to get the games made by the Japanese company translated into other languages for an audience that spans across the entire globe. Capcom is aiming to do this not with just language, but on a cultural level as well.
“Localization isn’t just about translating words; it’s about adapting the game for a global audience. Think cultural nuances, idioms, and regional flair. A good localization makes players feel right at home, wherever in the world they are!” continues the statement.
More historical examples of items this team may have handled in the past might include the infamous reference to Mike Tyson in the naming of Street Fighter’s iconic boxing character, Balrog, who initially held the moniker “M. Bison.” Another might be the renaming of the Japanese “Biohazard” into the English “Resident Evil.”
Here is the rest of the text illuminating more of the particular goals of the Loc Team:
Not Just Translating
Lost in Translation? Nah! Preserving the vibe is key. Jokes, references, and even gameplay elements might need a little cultural remix. It’s important to find that sweet spot to make sure players get the intended experience without feeling like something got lost in the process.
Bridging the Linguistic Gap
Each language has its unique structure and cultural context. Our teams work to ensure the narrative and dialogue maintain coherence and emotional impact. It’s not just about words; it’s about capturing the essence of the story in a way that resonates with the target audience.
Cultural Sensitivity in Characters
Character design and development must be culturally sensitive. What may be acceptable in one culture might be offensive in another. Localizers play a crucial role in ensuring that characters are relatable and respectful, avoiding stereotypes or other references that could be perceived as negative in specific cultures.
Inclusive Language and Representation
Localization efforts extend to promoting inclusivity through language and representation. This involves adapting not only the linguistic aspects but also addressing gender-specific language, cultural norms, and diverse perspectives. The aim is to create an immersive experience where players from different backgrounds can identify with the characters and narrative. This can be very challenging for certain languages due to grammar.
Adapting Humor and Wit
Humor often relies on cultural references and wordplay, making it a challenging aspect of game localization. Translators must carefully navigate puns, jokes, and cultural references to maintain the intended comedic effect. This requires a deep understanding of the target audience’s sense of humor while staying true to the original wit.
Consistency in Terminology
Maintaining consistency in terminology is crucial for a smooth and coherent gaming experience. This applies not only to translating words but also to ensuring that game mechanics, instructions, and lore are consistently represented across languages. Establishing a cohesive language system helps prevent confusion and enhances the overall gaming experience for players worldwide.
The X page only has a handful of posts thus far, many of which are retweets from other Capcom X pages and some of which are “Figure Friday” figurine shares, but there have been a few that clarify more specific aspects of the localization process such as editing.
We noticed that the lion’s share of responses to these posts were from X users asking for localization from three countries in particular: Ukraine, Poland, and Turkey. The former stood out with enough popularity to prompt the following response from the Loc Team:
Did anybody mention Ukrainian localization!?
Thank you for all of your comments. While we can’t promise anything, we have heard your requests. The decision regarding the languages featured in our games involves a lot of different factors, but we have relayed your interest in…
— Capcom Localization Team (@CapcomL10N) February 7, 2024
For more on Capcom’s pursuit of diversity you can check out this recent special feature from the Investor Relations page titled Development Personnel Diversity. It includes statements from the Localization Director as well as from a diverse array of female employees.