Language Test (LQA-Leading Quality Assurance) is usually the lowest priority of game developing needs before releasing the game or when process is not certain.
Do we need test after localization from Game Professional Translator? What could go wrong?
There are lots of language test than you think
Great game localization will have higher chances to be successful in the global market. There will be a higher chance that your game will be introduced on the top of Google Play and App Store more often and great localization will increase the number of downloads from the users.
We, Latis Global, who provide localization services to developers who plan to launch overseas will be introduced to the one of the most important function, the language test.
Game professional translators translate based on the script files, so it doesn’t show all the text in the game screen, hence it cannot provide the real “feeling” of proper translation.
Language test’s purpose is to evaluate the quality of the localized build. Checking text errors, grammatical errors, and additional testing. Language testing means to make sure the game reflects localization properly.
What does LQA Tester check?
There are two kinds of test in LQA; Language test and Technical test.
In general, language testing is to assess the overall script, that if the script localization is natural for the natives and no cultural issue, also to check if the humors/meme are well localized.
These language test can be reviewed through the script only but most of the language tests are conducted by natives.
In a game, Technical Test might be the most important function in LQA.
After applying the translated text, check if UI is properly displayed, also check if tutorial’s guide is pointing the path properly and check the design if the text has any crash or issue.
In game, language should be perfect
LQA is the last step of localization for certain market release. This include the final test that determines if the translation is well localized and culturally correct. LQA’s target is the user’s feeling that the game is made with their language. It is different from simply basic translation.
What is different from LQA and proofreading
Proofreading is the task of ensuring that translated content is free from spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. It’s harder for proofreaders to put themselves in the shoes of native speakers and gamers, because proofreaders leave the game and review only errors based on the text, so they can’t see the big picture of the game.
LQA testers go over everything the game needs to make sure the translation feels natural to the gamer. This is to give gamers the experience to be more immersed in the game because the LQA testers check the translation considering the character’s dialogue tone and reviews the translated content in consideration of the game’s background and relationships with the characters.
Who process LQA?
Game localization experts test the game as a gamer during the final stage. To check the final localization quality, natives should process the final test.
And to guarantee translation quality and offer a differentiating view regarding the translation, the tester should not be the original translator who translated the text.
Also, they should have some technical knowledge to facilitate a better discussion with developers as they will have to figure out the technical side from console, mobile Android, iOS, and PC. For example, video game testers should have experience game play of certain languages and several experience on the gaming industry.
LQA is the key to success
By going through this LQA process of localization and providing a perfectly translated game to local gamers, it will provide gamers with an immersed and engaging experience. After that, developers and publishers will surely have their loyal fans for a long term. This ideal localization process will help in gaining a reputation for any game brand over the globe.
