Game Localization · Glossary
What is Subtitle Localization?
Subtitle localization is the translation and timing adaptation of subtitle files (SRT, VTT, ASS, and similar formats) for games, cutscenes, trailers, and video content — ensuring translated subtitles display at the correct time, fit within character limits, and read at appropriate speed for the target audience.
Subtitle Localization vs. Translation
Standard translation converts text; subtitle localization converts text subject to strict constraints. Each subtitle line has a maximum character count (Netflix uses 42 characters per line as a standard), a maximum display duration, and a minimum reading speed requirement (typically 17 words per minute for children’s content, 20 for adult content). Translation that ignores these constraints produces subtitles that are too long to read before they disappear.
Game-Specific Subtitle Considerations
Game subtitles differ from film subtitles in important ways: they must sync with in-engine audio, not with a fixed video file; game engines handle subtitle rendering differently (some use the same SRT/VTT format as video, others use proprietary systems); and game subtitles may need to accommodate player-adjustable text size, which affects how many characters fit per line. In-engine subtitle localization requires coordination with the development team.
Subtitle Timing and Reading Speed
A common subtitle localization failure is producing accurate translations that players can’t actually read — the subtitle appears for the same duration as the original dialog, but the translated text is 40% longer and at normal reading speed, viewers process less than 60% of it before it disappears. Subtitle localization includes timing review: in some cases, timing must be adjusted to accommodate longer translated text, or the translation must be condensed to fit the original timing.
Subtitle File Formats in Games
The most common subtitle formats in games are SRT (SubRip), VTT (WebVTT), ASS (Advanced SubStation Alpha — used in anime and some games for styling), and proprietary CSV or XML formats specific to a game engine or subtitle system. SandVox works with all standard formats and most proprietary formats with file format documentation.
SandVox and Subtitle Localization
SandVox provides subtitle localization for game cutscenes, trailers, in-game video, and webtoon content. Our subtitle localization includes translation, timing review, character limit enforcement, and LocQA of rendered subtitles. We work with SRT, VTT, ASS, and most proprietary game subtitle formats.
Related terms: Game Localization · Voice Over Localization · Localization Qa · Character Limit Localization
Frequently Asked Questions
What subtitle formats does SandVox support?
We work with SRT, VTT (WebVTT), ASS, and most proprietary game subtitle formats. If you have a non-standard format, provide a sample file and format documentation and we’ll confirm compatibility.
Do you adjust subtitle timing for translated content?
Yes. When translated text is significantly longer or shorter than the source, we review timing to ensure subtitles are readable at normal reading speed. If timing adjustments require coordination with your audio or video team, we flag specific instances with recommended adjustments.
What is the maximum characters per line standard for game subtitles?
There is no single game industry standard, but common guidelines are 42 characters per line (Netflix standard, widely used), 35 characters per line (accessible, for players reading on small screens), or engine-specific limits. We apply whichever standard your project requires or recommend based on your platform and target display size.
Can you localize subtitles for game trailers and marketing video content?
Yes. Game trailer subtitle localization — for YouTube, social platforms, and App Store preview videos — is in scope. Marketing subtitles often have different character limits than in-game subtitles; we apply platform-appropriate standards.
Need Expert Game Localization?
SandVox provides end-to-end game localization including subtitle localization — for narrative games, mobile titles, webtoons, and interactive fiction.