View Full Version : Localization Question
One thing that I dont understand is the delay in european releases and localization process for games.
Why is it that some games can be released simultaneously and some can take years to even make it to our shores?
Obviously with the european release you need to factor in the translation to different languages but does that really constitute months of waiting? or does the BBFC or PEGI take an extraordinary amount of time to classify games?
Also other questions that I was wondering if someone could explain to me what happens with a game when it needs to be localized to europe and whether or not the localization process uses a software development model like that of software engineering?
thezombiemessia
16-02-09, 15:27
It is dependant on various things.
the BBFC or PEGI may want to look at it closer than other companies, so that may delay it.
There may be regional problems, such as a certain scene in a game that breaks a law in Spain, but not England, etc. That would delay it.
Obviously translations can delay it, if the game is English all round then it may come out quicker than a game that has to be trnaslated into 7 languages.
Then youve got to think about Distiribution rights, finding the right company to distribute the game could take forever and may lead to legal issues.
There are so many factors.
It is dependant on various things.
the BBFC or PEGI may want to look at it closer than other companies, so that may delay it.
There may be regional problems, such as a certain scene in a game that breaks a law in Spain, but not England, etc. That would delay it.
Obviously translations can delay it, if the game is English all round then it may come out quicker than a game that has to be trnaslated into 7 languages.
Then youve got to think about Distiribution rights, finding the right company to distribute the game could take forever and may lead to legal issues.
There are so many factors.
I can understand sorting out distribution and the publisher taking time to prepare for the initial release but when you consider a Japanese game is out in North America quite a lengthy period passes until its out in the UK.
Perhaps its because the North American release is a good indicator of how well sales in Europe will be.
thezombiemessia
16-02-09, 18:34
quite a lengthy period passes until its out in the UK.
That isnt always the case though. So games take ages, some dont.
Nabil Mishima
17-02-09, 14:30
I know this may not contribute, but Im dying for a game of SF4!.......
Why does US have this game first?:s
I know this may not contribute, but Im dying for a game of SF4!.......
Why does US have this game first?:s
Games in the USA come out on a Tuesday where as in Europe they come on a friday unless its a special release.
Be greatfull its still not the ps2,xbox generation it could take months to come to europe and not days;)
Nabil Mishima
17-02-09, 14:50
The suspense is killing me! It got 9.5 in IGN UK!
Actually, Nabil, from what Ive seen (and kinda...go all AAAAAAArgh about, since I ordered my Collectors edition to be delivered on friday) the game has been released everywhere.
At least, In both Belgium and Holland, the game has gone on sale officially since today, though I know it was in stores before that.
But enough offtopicness.. <_<