Overview

This one-day online course for translators provides an introduction to video game localisation (a combination of audiovisual translation and software localisation).

You'll gain a global overview of the process of localisation of video games.

You'll learn strategies for this specific type of translation, and about the main tools and workflows used in the localisation industry.

The course is very practical and you'll work with real examples of video games.

Who this course is for

This professional course is open to:

• freelance translators
• undergraduate and postgraduate translation students
• translation tutors

Course content and structure

Part 1: Introduction to the videogames industry and videogames typology

In the first part of the course you'll get a quick introduction to the history of the videogames industry and learn how to analyse and categorise the different types of videogames from the point of view of a translator.

Part 2: Characteristics of the localisation of a videogame

In the second part of the course you'll learn about the main characteristics and strategies of this specific type of translation, such as the:

• use of transcreation approaches
• micro-structure and macro-structure of a videogame
• priorities and restrictions that need to be observed

You'll try putting all these strategies into practice with some examples and hands-on exercises.

Part 3: Tools, workflows and processes to localise a videogame

Finally, you'll learn about the main tools and workflows used in the localisation industry, as well as the different types of workflows for the localisation of a videogame.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you'll be able to:

• outline the characteristics of the video game localisation industry, as well as its history and basic concepts. 
• manage the different phases from the beginning of a video game localisation project to its completion
• apply the corresponding technology according to the type of project
• translate or localise the different types of texts that make up a video game
• recognise different computer tools for translation, localisation and testing of video games

Certificates

You'll receive a certificate of attendance on completion of the course.

Cost and concessions

The fees are as follows: 

• UCL students and CenTraS alumni - £65
• UCL staff, academic visitors, and affiliates - £110
• Full rate - £145

Book a place

To book your place, please send your completed application form to Emmanouela Patiniotaki at selcs.centras-professional@ucl.ac.uk

Course team

Curri Barceló Ávila

Videogame and software localiser and tester, QA and language consultant, Project Manager and Game Localisation teacher, Curri holds a BA in Translation and Interpreting and an European MA in Audiovisual Translation. In the past, she worked as a video game and website tester for several companies in London. During her career, which spans nearly 20 years, she has participated in the localisation of over 200 games and tested over 40 games (7 of which were also as a lead tester). She has also been working with several companies, some of them in the games industry, in the creation of multi-lingual content and localization, carrying out tasks not only as a Project Manager but also as a Localiser and Proofreader. Since 2013, Curri has been combining her knowledge in the video game industry with her passion for teaching, teaching Game Localisation in online courses, as well as a guest Professor in several Postgraduate degrees.

Course information last modified: 19 Jul 2023, 09:37