Translation Strategies For Game Localization From The Perspective Of Functionalist Translation Theory

Game localization has grown to be a booming industry.However,related academic research is not sufficient.Game localization research mostly focuses on analysis on the textual level,while other multimedia game assets are often neglected.As a 3A title,the online multiplayer Overwatch contains many art assets and audio assets,and is worth scholarly attention as a game localization case.This paper concludes that the game assets in Overwatch include in-game text assets,art assets,audio and cinematic assets and mixed assets.With text typology by Reiss and the skopos theory by Vermeer,the text types and primary functions of different types of game assets are analyzed.Accordingly,the paper explores the translation strategies for different types of game assets to offer reference to game localization practices.Through analysis of selected translation examples,the paper discovers that the in-game text assets in online competitive multiplayer games are mainly informative texts.The translation is function-oriented,thus pursuing clarity and brevity.Art assets are mainly expressive texts.The translation of art assets often adopts transcreation.A similar artistic feeling to the original is pursued in the target art assets in terms of layout and font style.Audio and cinematic assets include system voices and character lines.System voices are mainly informative while character lines are mainly expressive.To cater to the requirements of dubbing,the translation needs to have similar length as the original and a colloquial style in register.Mixed assets like hero code names and abilities are both in-game text assets and audio assets.The translation needs to follow the requirements of these two types of game assets.