Rethinking MMOG Localization David Lakritz Language Automation, Inc. Wednesday. May 13, :00 AM
Overview Market Perspective Canonical L10 Process MMOG L10 Process Migration Strategies Conclusions
Terminology L10 = localization Canonical l10n process = traditional (Console-based, non-online) localization process MMOG l10n process = L10 process more suitable for MMOGs MMOG = massively multiplayer online game
What we’re going to talk about Processes Workflow Interfaces Standards
What we’re not going to talk about Language Linguistic testing Cultural aspects of localization
Why is this stuff important?
WW Online Game Market ($B) Data: DFC Intelligence
ROW Online Game Market ($B) Data: DFC Intelligence
Key drivers in online gaming Increased broadband penetration More languages More competitive environment Shorter development cycles
MMOG l10n Strategy Rethink the process 1.Understand the requirements 2.Restructure the process 3.Migrate and deploy
1. Understanding the Requirements
The Canonical L10 Process
It’s a Process, not an Activity
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export Import PM TRREVQA Dev Team L10n Team
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export Import PM TRREVQA Dev Team L10n Team
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export PM Dev Team
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export PM Dev Team
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export PM Dev Team
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export PM Dev Team
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export Import PM TRREVQA Dev Team L10n Team
Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM
Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM
Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM
Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM
Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM
Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export Import PM TRREVQA Dev Team L10n Team
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB PM Dev Team Import
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB PM Dev Team Import
Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB PM Dev Team Import
Simplified(?) Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export Import PM TRREVQA Dev Team L10n Team
Too fragmented Too many levels Lack of standards Limited management oversight Updates take too long Not easily scalable Canonical L10n Process: Problems
Cost ↑ Time ↑ Quality ↓ Not easily scalable
Features of MMOG L10n Bigger, more complex Faster updates More languages Shorter turnaround
2. Restructuring the Process
Simplified MMOG L10n Process Game Server Asset DB CMS Content Creators Process Manager Actor
3. Migration
Migrating to the MMOG L10n Process Internal changes External (vendor) changes
Migrating to the MMOG L10n Process Internal changes –ROI –Upper management buy-in –Incremental changes –Leverageable
Migrating to the MMOG L10n Process External (vendor) changes –Not all vendors are the same –Wide range of capabilities –Evaluate/choose carefully –Integration is key
Conclusions MMOG l10n requires a new process Integration and automation are key Incremental change is easier on the process, people Customize according to your needs Always keep the big picture in mind
Questions? David Lakritz Language Automation, Inc.