CHALLENGES IN UKRAINIAN VIDEOGAME LOCALISATION (IN THE CASE OF “BALDUR’S GATE 3” AND “PARTY HARD”)

Abstract

In the research paper the modern state of localization problems of English-speaking games in Ukrainian speaking field was examined. The problem of quality translation and adaptation of foreign gaming video-products gains a special meaning for localizators. The definition of term localization, specifically videogame localization and its separation from translation is defined. It must not only be a translated text output, but completely adapted to the language version of a product that appears as organically as possible for a foreign user, including the cultural code of the target language. Main source for the research were a continuation of a popular RPG Baldur’s Gate 3 and an indie-game Party Hard. Games defined as indie-games are low-budget, created single-handedly or by a small team handling the whole process from the start of the development to the marketing strategy for the realization of the product. The main objective of localization is accurate pragmatic message of the source material for a non-native speaker. Particular attention in the research is paid to translation difficulties that occur during localization of foreign game products and basic translation strategies which are used by localizators to adapt the videogame for the target audience. Among main problems specified difficulties concerning recreation of foreign quasirealias, meaning objects and realias of the fictional world, proper nouns, humor: wordplay and puns precisely, with examples from two videogames. Typical mistakes during localization were analyzed and noted, made by both corporations that conduct a complex release of the game product and low-budget projects. Perspective considered to be a research of use of AI in translating parts from localization.