A Study On Game Localization From The Perspective Of Multi-dimensional Transformation Of Signs

The rapid development of the global game industry requires high-quality game localization to meet the demands of the market,while high-quality game localization should be guided by scientific theoretical research to meet the needs and expectations of game players.However,the previous research on game localization rarely focused on the localization of Chinese games for overseas markets,and most of the research on the localization of game characters seemed to be limited to the textual level.Multi-dimensional transformation of signs is a concept originally proposed by Liu Jian in his doctoral dissertation Changes of Translation in the Context of Hypertext.According to this concept,the signs in hypertext are divided into one-dimensional signs,two-dimensional signs,and three-dimensional signs,and the transformation of signs in different dimensions has different characteristics.The concept is scientific and systematic,which is of great significance to guide the research of game localization.Based on the theoretical guidance of the multi-dimensional transformation of signs in the context of hypertext,adopting the method of quantitative research,this paper takes the localization of game character-related written texts,images,and game action performances with cultural connotations in Arena of Valor,a popular Chinese-developed MOBA game in recent years,as the research object to explore the localization strategies applicable to the relevant signs of the game in three steps.Step one: Dividing the character-related data in Arena of Valor into one-dimensional signs,two-dimensional signs,and three-dimensional signs,and designs a questionnaire to identify the needs of players(A total of 71 questionnaires were collected,and the survey results show that about 46% of players think that the quality of Arena of Valor localization is average;about 32% of players suggest that it is good;about 12% of players believe that it is below average;about 5% of players hold that it is poor;only one player insist that it is excellent.);Step two: Analyzing the localization methods of related signs of different dimensions in the game by combining the characteristics of multi-dimensional transformation of signs;Step three: Proposing localization strategies and suggestions for sign localization in different dimensions based on the questionnaire data.The strategies and suggestions for game localization summarized in this research are as follows.First,game localization should put the preferences and needs of game players in the first place.Second,some character names and ability names in games have strong cultural connotations,so the literal translation should be avoided in the localization as much as possible,and the transcreation is suggested,or the transliteration can be appropriately adopted according to the players’ acceptance of specific culture,but it should be noted that the length of the character string is supposed to be controlled within a reasonable range.In addition,in order to attract young players,some special terms can be appropriately translated into internet buzzwords,while for alien words,the back translation can be adopted to improve the accuracy of the target text.Third,localization personnel also need to consider the following aspects when transforming the game characters: players’ identification with elements such as the characters’ appearances,clothing colors,and skins,the attraction of these elements to players,player’s acceptance of the characters’ action performances,and laws and regulations in the local market,which is different from traditional translation.Fourth,the localization personnel should be fully familiar with the game before carrying out the localization work to avoid the separation between the translation and the context.On the one hand,this study may enrich the research scope of game localization in terms of language and provide references for future localization personnel on the transformation of signs in three dimensions of games;on the other hand,it may also draw the attention of translation majors and translators to game localization.