CyberPunk 2077: Switch 1 Port
Localisation often goes beyond simply translating, and that was very much apparent when we were asked to translate a major AAA narrative horror game into 16 languages. The publisher specifically asked for creativity, sensitivity, and for a team who really gets the tone to make it work globally.
Many of Universally Speaking's projects are highly confidential, and subject to strict security and NDA controls which we have decades of experience in upholding to exemplary standards, so this case study has been anonymised to respect our client's wishes. Sorry about that.
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Game
Acron Attack of the Squirrels! -
Location
Stockholm, Sweden -
Release date
2019 -
TESTED FOR :
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The Mission
Taking a complex, narrative horror game with a significant expectation already on it and then making it work in 16 languages is no mean feat. With subtitling alone coming in at 78,000+ words (increasing rapidly to 130,000+ words once underway) that's a lot of content to get right.
Our task was to not only convert that, but update references to the target audiences, be creative with wordplay, and ensure that the creator's tone and direction is reflected across the world in just the right way.
The Solution
Using linguists who are actually from, living and breathing the culture of the target areas gives us the option to ensure text reflects not only the true intention, but can take advantage of the latest cultural references, phrasings, slang, and feelings to land smoothly.
Supplying a dedicated project manager, fully integrated in communications with the client's team, allowed for rapid spot checking, collaboration, and reduced waste by minimisng the need to try and try again.
As part of our service, we managed and maintained translation assets like glossaries, memories, and style guides ensuring not only respect to the source material, but that a creative idea from one localisation expert is shared and considered by all, with the client able to intervene and adjust as they see fit.
Results That Made a Difference
Working closely with source videos from the developer's capture sessions, we were able to provide sensitive localisation that adhered closely to context and timing. As the vocabulary and indeed content grew, we rapidly upscaled bringing in more local experts from the right places to ensure we hit the right notes again and again.
%
increase in first-session retention
following targeted playtesting and gameplay refinements.
%
of testers reported improved usability
after implementing accessibility recommendations.
+
unique player feedback sessions
conducted, informing key UX and UI design changes.
We don’t just find bugs; we eliminate risks. From compatibility testing to complex regression, our teams ensure your title is technically flawless across every platform before it reaches the player.
CyberPunk 2077: Switch 1 Port
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Remastering a AAA Classic
When the title is a remake of a much acclaimed AAA classic, how do you do justice to the source material moving into new languages? Easy, you call US.
CyberPunk 2077: Switch 1 Port
Oooh, that was creepy. But is it creepy in Swedish? How about Japanese? When the title is a narrative horror game, getting the tone wrong breaks immersion and can turn a thriller into a farce.
Interested in working with US?
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