The Localization of Digital Games: A Case Study in China

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges that game localization is confronting. By focusing on China, the paper explores the uniquenesses of digital games and proposes a three-dimension model for evaluating and improving game localization. These three dimensions include In-Game Environment, External Environment, and Users. The paper analyzes both successful and failed foreign games in China in connection with the three-dimension approach. It argues that these three dimensions are highly influential and they should be considered throughout the whole game design process.