Zhao Siyi

1186580030@qq.com

“TO be a translator? It seemed impossible,” said Andy, an English sophomore at Shenzhen University. He never considered a career in translation before, but now he is discovering that video games have a unique way of turning the unimaginable into reality.

In an era brimming with digital games, China stands out as the globe’s most profitable gaming market, with a staggering 668 million enthusiasts parting with an average of 453 yuan (US$62) per person on digital entertainment, as reported by Statista, a reputable online data repository. Data from Chinese gaming database Gamma Data also show that sales of China-made games in overseas markets accounted for over 10% of total gaming sales in 2022. With Chinese-developed games setting sail for global markets, the demand for game translators is skyrocketing.

Andy’s special education and experience with different cultures make him a great fit for the rapidly developing profession of game translation. Born in Beijing, Andy relocated to Canada at 5 and later earned a degree in finance from the University of British Columbia. In 2022, Andy was employed by a translation company that provides comprehensive services for global players, marking the start of his journey in video game translation.

Up to now, Andy has contributed to the translation of over 20 games, including well-known titles like “Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice.” The romance simulation game has been launched in multiple countries and regions, enabling players worldwide to develop a career as a media producer while chatting and texting with four male characters online.

“Games are universally shared symbols, particularly valued for their entertainment function,” said Prof. Jia Luyi, vice dean of the College of International Studies of SZU. “We are supposed to tell stories using universally relatable symbols. Games serve as a powerful medium for sharing China’s stories with the world.”

As Chinese game makers look to share their games with the world, they run into cultural barriers. Games that are full of Chinese traditions can be especially tricky. “Without ample knowledge of Taoism, people are unlikely to understand, for example, ‘dantian’ from Chinese pinyin,” Andy said. “That’s when businesses face a choice: either simplify the translation of cultural terms to make them more understandable for a broader audience or translate them word for word, which could lead to confusion among players.”

Promoting games overseas is, therefore, an art of compromise that relies heavily on localization. “Instead of simply translating from language A to B, translators should try to interpret in a natural way, using idiomatic expressions that resonate with local communities. Not only should the translated version offer an accurate message, but it also needs to use words just like local people,” he explained.

“To believe that everything is possible is the first step to achieving the impossible,” said Andy. Looking ahead, he hopes to be involved in more China-made game translation projects, helping them explore overseas markets while telling Chinese stories effectively.