Haiting Wang is a Localization Specialist at Blizzard Entertainment, with expertise in adapting video games for diverse linguistic and cultural audiences worldwide. She has extensive experience in game localization, bridging cultural gaps through carefully tailored translation and adaptation strategies. In collaboration with Dr. Xiaochun Zhang from University College London, Haiting will present the workshop “Game Localization: Bridging Cultures Through Play,” where she will discuss the fundamentals of localization, cultural adaptation, and the unique challenges faced by translators in the gaming industry.
Pre-Conference Workshop: Game Localization: Bridging Cultures Through Play
Date: May 28, 2025 AM-
Venue: TBC
Workshop Speakers: Xiaochun Zhang,University College London; Haiting Wang, Blizzard Entertainment
keywords: Video Games, Localisation, Translation
Abstract:
In a few decades, remarkable technological advancements have revolutionised the video gaming landscape, transforming it from a niche activity into a mainstream global phenomenon. As video games are increasingly designed for diverse cultural and linguistic audiences worldwide, video game localisation has become a crucial part of the industry workflow. Video game localisation involves adapting games linguistically, technically, and culturally for different markets, encompassing both textual translation and non-textual adaptation.
This workshop will introduce the fundamentals of game localisation, illustrated with real-life examples. Topics will include translation and localisation strategies, cultural adaptations, legal and censorship considerations, best practices in the game localisation process, and the technical constraints and challenges faced by game translators. Additionally, the workshop will provide an overview of the current research in game localisation. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and importance of game localisation in today’s global gaming industry.