Exploring Translation Strategies In Video Game Localization From The Perspective Of Functionalist Theory

Rapid,expanding of video games around the globe brings the prosperity of localization industry.As one of the largest markets,China has become a popular arena for foreign game publishers,that is why studies on video game translation are urgent and important.Focusing on the translation activity in video game localization,this thesis describes the process of translation and summarizes three features of it:team cooperation across disciplines,employment of computer-aided translation tools and introduction of terminology management.Based on the framework of functionalist theory,the author analyzes the features, functions and translation strategies of video game translation tasks.Such analysis shows that translation strategies adopted in video game translation all serve for the functions of the game.A case study is done on the localization of game Heroes of Might and Magic IV,through which the author elaborates translation strategies employed in the localization of video game software.