A CAT tool (Computer-Assisted Translation tool) is software that helps professional translators work more efficiently and consistently. CAT tools are not machine translation — the translator still produces the translation, but the CAT tool manages Translation Memory, enforces terminology, handles file format conversion, and provides the working environment. Understanding CAT tools matters for game developers because the quality of your localization depends on whether your provider uses them effectively — and you own the Translation Memory they build.

What a CAT Tool Does

A CAT tool is a professional translation workbench. Core features: Translation Memory (TM) — searches a database of previously translated segments and suggests matching translations; terminology management — a glossary of approved term translations is enforced, flagging or applying correct terminology automatically; file format handling — imports game file formats (XLIFF, JSON, PO/POT, YAML, CSV) and presents text in a consistent interface; segment-by-segment workflow — source text is divided into sentences or strings, worked through systematically; and QA checks — automated checking for untranslated segments, inconsistent terminology, missing placeholders, number mismatches, and punctuation inconsistencies.

CAT Tools vs. Machine Translation

CAT tools and machine translation (MT) are fundamentally different. CAT tools are human translation workbenches — professional translators use them to produce translations, assisted by TM and terminology tools. Machine translation automatically generates translations without human involvement. CAT tools can incorporate MT as a starting draft (MTPE workflow), but the translator, not the tool, produces the final translation. When you ask a localization provider ‘do you use CAT tools?’ you are asking whether they maintain Translation Memory, enforce terminology, and run systematic QA.

Major CAT Tools in Game Localization

Major CAT tools used in professional game localization: memoQ — the most widely used tool in Central and Eastern European game localization providers; particularly strong in game file format support and regex QA for placeholder variables. SDL Trados Studio (now RWS Trados) — historically dominant in Western European and US markets; extensive freelancer user base. Phrase TMS (formerly Memsource) — cloud-based TMS with strong API integration. Smartcat — cloud-based, includes translator marketplace. OmegaT — free, open-source with core TM and terminology features. SandVox uses memoQ as our primary CAT environment.

What This Means for Your Project

Professional CAT tool use affects: Translation Memory quality — CAT tools build and maintain TM systematically. Terminology consistency — glossaries enforce consistent translation of game terms across all content. QA automation — catches systematic errors that manual review misses. File format accuracy — preserves game file structure during translation; manual editing risks structural corruption. TM ownership — you should receive your TM in TMX format at project completion; providers who don’t use CAT tools cannot deliver a professional TM.

Frequently Asked Questions