As you know, the game is progressing well in terms of its creation, but I would like to mention a problem regarding visual novels, namely the translation into various languages (which is wasting a lot of time and resources).
Furthermore, the process of translating a video game “for adults” also requires the use of specific words and expressions…
Translating a visual novel isn’t like translating a menu or a manual.
It’s like translating the **soul of a story**, with all its cultural nuances, emotional subtext, wordplay, and atmospheric dialogue.
When you’re dealing with **16 different languages**, the challenge becomes a true international narrative endeavor.
1. The Core Issue: Narrative + Context
A visual novel is built on **dialogue**, **inner monologue**, **descriptive writing**, and **atmosphere**.
Every line of text must reflect:
– The character’s tone
– The emotion of the scene
– The visual context
Translate too literally, and it sounds flat.
Adapt too freely, and you risk **losing the author’s voice**.
2. The Translation Process, Step by Step
a. Text Extraction
Everything starts with exporting the game’s text in a correct format
b. Adding Context
Each string is accompanied by **essential metadata**:
– Who is speaking
– Scene reference
– Emotional state
– Notes from the game designer
> ❗ Without context, translators are working blind—and it shows.
c. Translation + Native Review
Native-speaking teams with a narrative background handle the first draft.
Then, a second native speaker revises for **consistency**, **flow**, and **tone**.
d. Linguistic Quality Assurance (LQA)
Once the translated texts are reinserted into the game, it’s time for testing:
– Does the text fit the box?
– Does it sound natural in the scene?
– Are there tone or gender mismatches?
e. Cultural Adaptation (Localization)
A Japanese proverb or an American meme might fall flat elsewhere.
Here’s where localization comes in—preserving **emotional impact and meaning**,
not just the words.
3. The Most Challenging Languages (and Why)
– **German** 🇩🇪
Extremely long compound words often break the layout.
– **Japanese / Chinese** 🇯🇵 🇨🇳
Lack of articles and sentence subjects → heavy rewriting needed.
– **Arabic** 🇸🇦
Right-to-left script → requires full UI adjustment.
– **French / Spanish** 🇫🇷 🇪🇸
Highly sensitive to **formal/informal tone** and social context.
4. What I’ve Learned
– A **good translation** is not enough: you need **narrative sense + empathy**.
– **LQA is critical**: even the best line can feel off when taken out of context.
– Translating a visual novel is a **collaborative art form**,
where each language opens a new window into the same soul.
—
Conclusion
Translating a visual novel into 16 languages is much more than a technical task:
it’s a **creative and cultural journey**.
It’s how a story can **speak to the entire world**,
without ever losing its voice.
YASL
