Translating Video Games - The Localisation of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

Abstract

Translating or localising video games is similar to regular software and other audiovisual media localisation. However, there are a few differences: the level of creativity required when translating video games is usually higher compared to other types of translation, the amount of freedom the translator is given is relatively larger compared to other forms of translation, and more often than not the translator is given an unworking or unfinished product to work with. The localisation of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune from English into Dutch is detailled in this thesis as a case study. The localisation has been executed well in almost every aspect, even though it is still unusual for an AAA video game aimed at hardcore gamers to be fully localised into Dutch.