1. Rethinking MMOG Localization David Lakritz (dave@lai.com) Language Automation, Inc. Wednesday. May 13, 2009 9:00 AM

2. Overview Market Perspective Canonical L10 Process MMOG L10 Process Migration Strategies Conclusions

3. 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

4. What we’re going to talk about Processes Workflow Interfaces Standards

5. What we’re not going to talk about Language Linguistic testing Cultural aspects of localization

6. Why is this stuff important?

7. WW Online Game Market ($B) Data: DFC Intelligence

8. ROW Online Game Market ($B) Data: DFC Intelligence

9. Key drivers in online gaming Increased broadband penetration More languages More competitive environment Shorter development cycles

10. MMOG l10n Strategy Rethink the process 1.Understand the requirements 2.Restructure the process 3.Migrate and deploy

11. 1. Understanding the Requirements

12. The Canonical L10 Process

13. It’s a Process, not an Activity

14. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export Import PM TRREVQA Dev Team L10n Team

15. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export Import PM TRREVQA Dev Team L10n Team

16. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export PM Dev Team

17. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export PM Dev Team

18. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export PM Dev Team

19. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export PM Dev Team

20. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export Import PM TRREVQA Dev Team L10n Team

21. Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM

22. Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM

23. Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM

24. Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM

25. Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM

26. Simplified Canonical L10n Process TRREV QA L10n Team PM

27. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export Import PM TRREVQA Dev Team L10n Team

28. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB PM Dev Team Import

29. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB PM Dev Team Import

30. Simplified Canonical L10n Process Asset DB PM Dev Team Import

31. Simplified(?) Canonical L10n Process Asset DB Export Import PM TRREVQA Dev Team L10n Team

32. Too fragmented Too many levels Lack of standards Limited management oversight Updates take too long Not easily scalable Canonical L10n Process: Problems

33. Cost ↑ Time ↑ Quality ↓ Not easily scalable

34. Features of MMOG L10n Bigger, more complex Faster updates More languages Shorter turnaround

35. 2. Restructuring the Process

36. Simplified MMOG L10n Process Game Server Asset DB CMS Content Creators Process Manager Actor

37. 3. Migration

38. Migrating to the MMOG L10n Process Internal changes External (vendor) changes

39. Migrating to the MMOG L10n Process Internal changes –ROI –Upper management buy-in –Incremental changes –Leverageable

40. 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

41. 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

42. Questions? David Lakritz Language Automation, Inc. dave@lai.com