Will the game be translated in languages other than English?

from Elemental Forums

Hello all... first message for me, just preorder Elemental and can't wait to get my hands on the beta.

 

While I wait... Is there some official voice on the languages that will be shipped with the game (both the boxed and digital download edition)? 

elemental
10,975 views 13 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

I don't think anything official is known yet...

But translating the game to Dutch would be a waste of time I think. All people I know around here who play games, don't like a game translated in Dutch and prefer the English version. I have actually refused to buy a few games because I couldn't get an English version.

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

Given that more people wind up complaining about the quality of translations than actually asking for them, it's hard to say. International publishers tend to be sticklers about the distribution of the localized files as well if they do it so it's impossible to say if the North America/Impulse release will even include those if we have them done. None of that stuff has been pinned down at this early point.

Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting kryo, reply 2
Given that more people wind up complaining about the quality of translations than actually asking for them, it's hard to say. International publishers tend to be sticklers about the distribution of the localized files as well if they do it so it's impossible to say if the North America/Impulse release will even include those if we have them done. None of that stuff has been pinned down at this early point.
End of kryo's quote

 

I admit I don't know Impulse and/or Stardock's selling policies, but an optional downloadable language pack would be unreasonalbe? Maybe just for the interface, nevermind about voices/video, but I always thought that text-intensive games (strategics, rpgs, etc.) should be localized at least for the interface itself: reading windows and windows in your local language is almost always better than reading in a foreign, even if known, language.

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Lorthirk, reply 3

[...] but I always thought that text-intensive games (strategics, rpgs, etc.) should be localized at least for the interface itself: reading windows and windows in your local language is almost always better than reading in a foreign, even if known, language.
End of Lorthirk's quote
I'm trying to think of an instance where this is true, but I'm drawing a blank.

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Luckmann, reply 4

Quoting Lorthirk, reply 3
[...] but I always thought that text-intensive games (strategics, rpgs, etc.) should be localized at least for the interface itself: reading windows and windows in your local language is almost always better than reading in a foreign, even if known, language.I'm trying to think of an instance where this is true, but I'm drawing a blank.
End of Luckmann's quote

...What can I say? I like to read things in Italian rather than in English when it comes to fantasy & videogames. Don't get me wrong, I'm a software developer, so I'm perfectly capable of reading and understanding English. It seems that this is just my point of view, then :)

Reply #6 from Elemental Forums Top

but I always thought that text-intensive games (strategics, rpgs, etc.) should be localized at least for the interface itself: reading windows and windows in your local language is almost always better than reading in a foreign, even if known, language.
End of quote

I don't think this is true, I bought the original Black & White in a local store without realising the game was completly translated to Dutch. I played it for a few days, but the translation was horrible. I put the game aside until they released an English language download so I was able to play the game in English.

When a game is translated, it has to be translated correctly. In all instances I've seen, the translations have been horrible making the game almost unplayable just because it completly kills the immersion.

Reply #7 from Elemental Forums Top

I have to say that I don't agree -- at least when it comes to UI and Italian language. Yes, maybe some typos here and there, but I think that the average quality was pretty good.

Reply #8 from Elemental Forums Top

Hmmm, I don't think I've been really clear on what I ment. The problem with the translation isn't typing errors (most of the time) but too literal translations. In that way it's sometimes not very clear what is ment, and otherwise it just breaks the immersion. I've been thinking about an example I coulde give, but I guess it's just too long ago and I can't remember...

But if you don't have a problem with a translated game, lucky for you. I guess it also depends a lot on the game and who translated it...

Reply #9 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Scorpiana, reply 8
But if you don't have a problem with a translated game, lucky for you. I guess it also depends a lot on the game and who translated it...
End of Scorpiana's quote

 

That's the point I was trying to give. In my experience I can't remember of really poor translated game which had major translation errors.

Reply #10 from Elemental Forums Top

I have one example of bad translation for the french version of King's Bounty: the Legend.

The translation of the noun "turn" is " tour "

The translation of the verb "turn" is " tourner "

During the tactical battle, you get a message telling which turn is starting. And they have translated "turn xx" into "tourner xx" instead of "tour xx". It is really kills the immersion, as you are always in battles.

Reply #11 from Elemental Forums Top

I've read that the Swedish version of Black &  White was unpleasant as well (I've never played it.) I remember the Duke Nukem 64 manual. I was 14 back then so almost didn't understand one part of it as the words were so technical *facktermer

 

I do wonder if any game will be as funnily translated as Zero Wing though ^_^

 

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Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

I've translated Demigod to dutch in the past and it helped my sons playing and understanding the game. So if the game is fun for 8 to 12 years old then i will probably translate Elemental for them to Dutch. If it is possible to localize.

The quality of a localization will be higher if done by fans then by official translators who do not understand what they are translating. Less literal more focussed on creating a fun/workable translation. A bit more pragmatic.

I'm in the elemental beta, but didn;t start it much. Too busy my other project...

Creator of Picto Selector - www.PECSforAll.com

Reply #13 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Gabberkooij, reply 12
I've translated Demigod to dutch in the past and it helped my sons playing and understanding the game. So if the game is fun for 8 to 12 years old then i will probably translate Elemental for them to Dutch. If it is possible to localize.

The quality of a localization will be higher if done by fans then by official translators who do not understand what they are translating. Less literal more focussed on creating a fun/workable translation. A bit more pragmatic.

I'm in the elemental beta, but didn;t start it much. Too busy my other project...

Creator of Picto Selector - www.PECSforAll.com
End of Gabberkooij's quote

I translated a Football Manager series game -- I think it was 2002 or 2003, maybe 2004. I'd love to help with the Italian translation, if Stardock would ask.