Problems of assessing video game language localization (using the example of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky)

The subject of the research is the quality of video game language localization. The object of analysis is the official English localization of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky. The article examines the distinction between the concepts of "translation" and "localization" within the framework of translation theory, analyzing their differences and intersections. Video game language localization is not merely a translation of text but an adaptation to the linguistic, cultural, and stylistic characteristics of the target audience. The primary focus is placed on identifying problematic aspects in adapting game texts for the target audience, including frequent errors and inconsistencies arising in the localization process. Typical issues such as translation equivalence violations, stylistic inconsistencies, excessive additions of information, and errors related to the interpretation of game realities are considered. Special attention is given to analyzing the impact of translation transformations on text perception and its correspondence to the original, providing deeper insight into the specifics of localization in the gaming industry. The aim of the research is to develop a system for assessing the quality of computer game language localization and to test it on the official English localization of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky. The study employs an analysis of scientific and practical sources, as well as contextual-semantic and comparative analysis. A comprehensive approach to localization quality assessment is used, based on V. N. Komissarov's classification of translation errors and A. Chesterman's system of translation transformations. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of localized texts was conducted. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the development of a quality assessment system that integrates quantitative and qualitative criteria. The analysis revealed the most frequent errors: violations of denotative equivalence, stylistic inconsistencies, excessive additions of information, and deviations from the norms of the target language. The findings highlight the necessity of standardizing localization quality assessment criteria and confirm the need for strict assessment standards, along with a more detailed adaptation of the original content, considering the cultural and linguistic characteristics of the target audience. Translation adjustments for the identified errors were suggested, and general recommendations for improving the quality of video game text localization were formulated.

video game, game text adaptation, translation, locale, language localization of video games, translation vs localization, assessment of video game localization, video game localization errors, translation transformations, translation strategy