Things to Prepare for Localisation

Before contacting translators, game developers should prepare a translation file and reference materials, as well as have an estimate of the turnaround time and the total word count in the game.

1 - Translation file

It’s best to share the translation file in Excel or CSV format. If you haven’t started making video games yet, I want you to keep this in mind as well: please make IDs understandable like the screenshot, as translators often need to infer context from them.

2 - Reference materials

・Synopsis

・Detailed information of characters - their age, gender, personality, role, etc.

・Pictures of items

3 - Turnaround time

As a translator, I suggest you allow plenty of time for localisation and hire as few linguists as possible. Each translator has their own writing style, even if they try to conceal their individuality. Having one translator for each piece of work is ideal because who would want to read a novel translated by 20 different people? 

4 - The total word count in your game

Translators typically calculate the cost based on the number of words. Additionally, the rate for English-to-Japanese freelance translation is reported to range from 7 to 14 JPY per word.

Reference: 翻訳の報酬の相場は？ | 【Amelia】在宅でできる英語などの翻訳の求人・仕事探しはアメリア