More than dialogue

Game localization covers in-game dialogue and menus, but also tutorial text, achievement names, marketing copy, and store listings — each with its own tone and space constraints.

Space and context constraints

UI text often has strict character limits, and translators need context — screenshots or a build to play — to avoid mistranslating ambiguous short strings like button labels.

Cultural adaptation

Some content — humor, idioms, cultural references — doesn't translate directly and needs to be adapted so it lands the same way with a Brazilian audience as it does with the original one.

Key takeaways

  • Game localization covers dialogue, UI, marketing copy, and store listings.
  • UI strings need context to translate accurately within space constraints.
  • Humor and cultural references often need adaptation, not literal translation.

Need help with this?

Localizing a game touches dialogue, UI, and cultural references — here's what to plan for.