Pointers for game localization hopefuls. Full-text version and video of the Crowdcast presentation available here: http://bit.ly/StartingGameLocalization

1. Starting Your Journey In
Game Localization
Anthony Teixeira
EN to FR Game Translator
http://www.at-it-translator.com

2. Table of Contents
 What studies?
 Freelance vs. in-house
 Preparation
 Gaining experience
 Finding work in-house
 Finding work as a freelancer
 More on networking
 Start acting now!

3. What Studies?
 Relevant university studies:
- Audiovisual translation
- Translation (general)
- Languages and culture
 If you’ve already graduated...
- Lessons/Courses/Books online and offline
- Seminars/Workshops
- Consider taking a certification exam

4. Freelancing vs.
Working In-House
 Freelancing...
- More freedom
- Requires motivation/self-discipline
- Getting established takes time
- Possible better long-term income and security
 Working in-house...
- Stable income, no need to hunt new clients
- More focused work
- Limited financial prospects

5. Preparation
 Learn about the ins and outs of the job (read
articles/ebooks, take courses, etc.)
 Build a solid CV/introduction highlighting
relevant strengths
 Gain experience with a few projects
> Many potential employers and clients will ask
you to take a test, be ready to deliver

6. Gaining Experience (Part I)
 Offer free translation to indie devs
 A few ways to get started:
- Browse the Indie Game Localization group
on Facebook
- Contact indie devs directly
- Offer to translate game mods, articles, fan
sites, reviews, open source games, etc.
- [!] Keep word counts reasonable

7. Gaining Experience (Part II)
The LocJAM:
 Online game translation contest, a chance to
compare your skills to your peers
 Free and open: No need to join the contest,
you can translate and share your work
anytime
 Local study groups: Generally before/during
LocJAMs. Great opportunity to learn &
network

8. Gaining Experience (Part III)
 Start in a different position in the
game/localization industry
 Many game translators started in testing,
marketing, project management, etc.
 Consider internships

9. Finding Work In-House
 Specialized sites (games-career, Gamasutra)
 General job sites (indeed, monster, LinkedIn)
 Local job sites
 Translation portals (Proz, TranslatorsCafé)
 Dev websites, social media accounts
 Networking, online and offline

10. Finding Work as a Freelancer
 Check job postings on translation portals (Proz,
TranslatorsCafé)
 Contact specialized agencies directly
 Freelance offers on job sites
 Networking, online and offline

11. More on Networking...
 Prepare business cards and an introduction
 Join associations, attend meetings
 Go to game/translation conferences, seminars
 Also look for informal meetings around you
 Use social media to interact with colleagues
and game developers

12. Start Acting Now!
 Define your goals and strategy
 Look for communities around you
 Join the IGDA LocSIG group on Facebook
 Let’s connect 
 Slides and full-text version are available on:
http://bit.ly/StartingGameLocalization