Game Localisation Services for Global Game Launches
Bring your game to new markets with localisation that preserves its meaning, personality and player experience. Transcribe Lingo translates and localises interface text, dialogue, tutorials, manuals, store content and supporting materials for developers and studios.
Include your source language, target language, platform and file type so the team can review the scope of your project.
Localisation helps the game feel native to each market
Game localisation adapts written content for a target language and culture while protecting the tone, intent and internal logic of the original game.
A direct translation may communicate the basic meaning of a line. Localisation considers how players actually read that line in context: inside a menu, during a tutorial, within a character conversation or as part of a wider story.
This process can involve adapting humour, cultural references, terminology, instructions and interface language so that the experience remains understandable and natural for the intended audience.
What we localise and translate
Localisation can cover the text players see during gameplay as well as the supporting material used before, during and after a release.
In-game UI and system text
- Menus, buttons and settings
- Tooltips and notifications
- On-screen instructions
- Tutorial and onboarding text
- Status messages and interface labels
Narrative and character content
- In-game dialogue
- Quests and mission text
- Character biographies
- Item descriptions
- Lore and world-building content
Player and release content
- Store listings and descriptions
- Promotional copy
- Patch notes and release notes
- Community updates
- User-facing announcements
Documentation and support
- Game instructions
- User manuals
- Help articles and FAQs
- Licence agreements
- Supporting project documentation
Language that supports the player experience
Native-language localisation is not only about replacing one word with another. The wording must make sense within the game’s genre, interface, story and target culture.
Transcribe Lingo assigns native speakers who understand the target culture and can consider how players in that market are likely to interpret instructions, terminology, humour and narrative tone.
Text should sound written for the market rather than copied mechanically from the source language.
Repeated terms should remain aligned across menus, dialogue, tutorials and supporting materials.
The language can be reviewed in relation to the genre, intended audience and character voice.
Video game and iGaming localisation enquiries
The context of the product affects the language, terminology and supporting information required. Share the platform and intended market at the beginning of the project so the appropriate scope can be confirmed.
Video game localisation
Video game projects may involve mobile, PC or console releases, with content ranging from short interface strings to substantial dialogue and narrative files.
- Menus, settings and tutorials
- Dialogue and character content
- Quests, items and world-building text
- Store pages and release material
iGaming localisation
For an iGaming project, provide the product type, target market and player-facing materials so the team can review the linguistic, cultural and content requirements.
- Interface and navigation text
- Game instructions and player guidance
- Promotional and supporting content
- Rules or documentation supplied for localisation
Our game localisation workflow
A clear brief at the start helps the language, terminology and final files remain consistent throughout the project.
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Scope and files
Send the source content together with the game genre, audience, platform and target language.
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Style and terminology
Tone, key terms and any supplied references are reviewed before localisation begins.
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Localisation
The content is translated and adapted for the target language, culture and player context.
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Review pass
The files are checked for clarity, terminology consistency, tone and cultural appropriateness.
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Delivery
The completed localised content is prepared in the agreed delivery format for implementation.
What to send with your game files
Providing context with the source material helps the team understand how the text is used and what the localised content needs to achieve.
You do not need every item before making contact. Send the information currently available and the team can confirm what else is required to assess the project.
- Source and target languages State the current language and every language or market required.
- Platform and product type Explain whether the project is for mobile, PC, console, a gaming platform or an iGaming product.
- Files and content categories Identify the file type and whether it contains UI strings, dialogue, manuals, store content or another format.
- Genre and intended audience Share useful background about the game, its tone and the players it is designed for.
- Terminology references Include an existing glossary, style guide or approved terminology list when one is available.
- Contextual material Screenshots, character notes or reference material can help explain where individual strings appear.
- Required delivery format Explain how the completed text needs to be organised or returned.
- Deadline or launch schedule Include the required date so the team can review the proposed timeframe.
What to look for in a game localisation company
A suitable provider should understand that game text is connected. A menu label, tutorial instruction and dialogue line may use the same term in different contexts, so the project needs more than a collection of isolated translations.
Before choosing a game localisation agency or provider, consider how it will manage language, context and consistency across the complete player journey.
Native-language understanding
The linguist should understand how the target audience naturally speaks and responds in that market.
Gaming context
UI restrictions, player expectations, narrative voice and genre conventions should all inform the wording.
Terminology control
Key terms should remain consistent across the game, store assets, documentation and future updates.
Cultural awareness
References and expressions should be considered in relation to local expectations and possible unintended meanings.
A defined review process
The delivery should be checked for clarity, tone, consistency and formatting before it is returned.
Checks that protect the player experience
Localised content needs to work as a connected part of the game. The review stage therefore considers more than the accuracy of an individual sentence.
Consistent terminology and understandable instructions are particularly important when the same concepts appear across menus, dialogue, tutorials and supporting documentation.
- UI clarity Menus, labels and instructions should remain easy for players to understand.
- Terminology consistency Important terms should remain aligned across different files and content types.
- Tone and character voice The wording should remain appropriate for the genre, audience and narrative context.
- Cultural appropriateness Content can be reviewed for references or interpretations that may not work as intended in the target market.
- Instruction readability Tutorials and player guidance should communicate the required action clearly.
- Formatting consistency The returned files should remain organised for straightforward review and implementation.
Planning a multilingual game launch?
Review the languages currently supported by Transcribe Lingo, then send the source files and target-market details for your project.
Game localisation FAQs
These answers explain the service scope, preparation requirements and next steps for developers, studios and gaming businesses.
What is game localisation?
Game localisation is the process of translating and adapting a game’s player-facing content for a particular language and market. It can include interface text, dialogue, tutorials, manuals, store content and supporting documentation.
What is the difference between game translation and localisation?
Translation transfers the meaning of text into another language. Localisation also considers tone, cultural context, terminology, humour, interface use and the expectations of players in the target market.
What game content can be localised?
The current service scope includes menus, buttons, settings, notifications, tutorials, dialogue, quests, character biographies, item descriptions, store listings, promotional materials, manuals, FAQs and licence agreements.
Do you handle mobile, PC and console game projects?
The service is presented for mobile, PC and console releases. Include the platform in your enquiry because file structure, interface context and content requirements can differ between projects.
Can I enquire about iGaming localisation?
Yes. Send the product type, source language, target market and player-facing materials through the contact page. The team can then review the content and confirm the appropriate scope.
What information should I send for a quote?
Provide the source and target languages, platform, file type, game genre, intended audience, required delivery format and deadline. Include a glossary, style guide or contextual references when available.
Can I provide an existing terminology list?
Include any existing glossary, approved character names, style guide or terminology list with the source files. These references can be reviewed as part of the project brief.
How do I start a game localisation project?
Use the Transcribe Lingo contact page to send your project details and a sample or source files where appropriate. You can also contact the UK or US office using the telephone numbers shown below.
Tell us where your game is going next
Send your source language, target language, platform, file type and required delivery format. The team will review the material and confirm the appropriate scope and next steps.