SandVox

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  • Top 5 Benefits of Having a Localization Strategy in 2021

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    We live in a world where the human being is not limited to a specific geographical area and the concept of localization strategy is nothing new anymore. The phenomenon of globalization has gained its momentum due to the development of technologies and customers around the world expect not just have access to a variety of on-demand goods and information, but also to have them in their native language.

    If in the past the best way to satisfy the worldwide customers was standardization from start to finish, nowadays it is kept only at the level of execution processes. From the communication point of view, however, if you want to conquer a global market, you will have to adapt to different local markets. Just translating content or an app from one language into another is no longer enough. You must be prepared to provide global users with tailored local experience through marketing localization.

    How can you do this? One method is localization. This concept admits that consumers have different values, traditions, cultures, languages, and dialects that are shaped by the geographical region they live in. Localization is not a synonym and does not replace translation, but it completes and adds a touch of authenticity to this service. Of course, translators are a critical component of every localization project, but the process means more than replacing phrases and texts from one language into the other.

    According to the Can’t Read, Won’t Buy research series, customers prefer to make purchasing decisions in their native language. In fact,

    • 40% won’t buy in another language,
    • 65% prefer content in their native language,
    • 73% want reviews of products in their language,
    • 75% of respondents want product information in their native language.

    It’s no wonder that many global companies decided to take their localization processes very seriously and augment their brands with local elements to attract clients.

    Here are key 5 benefits of localization in business in 2021:

    • Easiness to entry on new markets and better connection with customers
    • Increased revenue
    • Increased business credibility and builds brand loyalty
    • Competitive edge
    • Enhanced visibility in local search

    Localization reduces the barrier to entry on a completely new market and helps you to better connect with customers

    Localization vs globalization is not a new debate. Yet, when you want to get clients in a foreign country or expand your business globally, you will find that you face a few barriers. Regardless of the product or service you offer. Legal issues due to different legislations, logistical obstacles, as well as challenges caused by linguistic and cultural differences can slow you down or even block you permanently.

    Although localization cannot completely remove all these problems, at least it will help you overcome communication obstacles, which can affect both your brand image and your sales. If you plan your localization strategy in the right way, your business gains a new market much faster. Besides, when done correctly, embarrassing translation mistakes will no longer be a problem.

    A great example is Coca-Cola, which is known as Kekoukele in China. And this because the original name translated into Chinese meant “female horse fastened with wax” or “bite the wax tadpole”, both being inappropriate and offending. So, as part of Coca-Cola’s global strategy, the brand had to adapt to the local market, starting with its own name. They chose to be known as the Kekoukele label, because it means “tasty fun”, being close to the original name.

    This strategy dramatically changed Coca-Cola’s image in the Chinese market and helped the company connect with locals in a more appropriate and personalized way.

    Localization strategy helps you to increase revenue

    Every culture has different values and norms and like it or not, you should be able to adopt them if you want to expand your business in a specific region. A bigger target market translates into a great potential for more revenue. So, if you develop and implement an effective localization strategy, you’ll also be able to see an increase in your incomes.

    In fact, providing personalized localization brings extremely high benefits that play a critical role in the way people relate to and perceive a brand. According to some research, only 25.3% of the global population is using English to surf the internet. This means that if the content on your website, mobile and web apps, and other communication materials is not translated and localized in clients’ native language, then you’ll lose a big number of potential customers.

    According to other studies, businesses that localize their content are twice likely to grow their revenue and have 125% more chances to increase their earnings year-over-year.

    Magnify business credibility and builds brand loyalty

    Nelson Mandela said:

    “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language that goes to his heart.”

    And for sure he was right. If:

    • you provide your clients with an excellent user experience
    • they’ll feel that you’ve taken the time to research their wants and needs
    • and you did your best to find a way to communicate in their language and not just presented them with a one-size-fits-all translation,

    then your brand will go to their hearts.

    You’ll start to gain their trust, which is essential for brand loyalty and they are likely to stick around to become true advocates of your product(s) and/or service(s).

    At the end of the day, people will not buy a product or a service or even download an app or a game if they don’t know what they’re spending money for. Seems logical, doesn’t it? Having a localization strategy and providing personalized experiences is a foolproof way to push your organization’s global expansion.

    Stand Out From Your Competitors

    Assuming you have a monopoly on the market, you would be in a more than happy (and absolutely unique) situation of not being forced to compete with other businesses to attract your customers. However, we can say with certainty that this is not the case now, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digitization by more than 10 years.

    Countless companies are looking for new customers around the world and competition against them can be tough. But going up against local businesses is even tougher, as they can gain the trust of an audience much easier than an external player.    

    If you localize your content, then half the battle is already done. Whether it’s your app, product, or marketing materials, the more tailored they are to your customers, the more competitive you’ll be over similar businesses. Seeing familiar imagery and graphics, reading content and messages that are relevant to them and match with their beliefs increases trust and makes them more likely to buy.

    Localization helps enhance your local SEO

    Even if you are not a marketing or SEO expert, you are aware (in one way or another) that more informative content which also matches people’s search intent ranks higher in Google’s search results.  

    Creating new content requires a significant investment of time – and most marketers and business writers say they’ve spent an average of one to six hours per piece. Under these conditions, translating your texts into other languages can bring a major SEO boost to your website, because search engines see these translations as unique content. This is the good news and proves the importance of localization in business.

    The bad news? When a German-speaking home-buyer wants to buy a property in the USA and Googles “Immobilien New York” but the website of your real estate agency is just in English, guess what? This user will not land on your web page through search.

    Don’t imagine you can only get away with using a free online tool to translate content. As your goal is to improve ranking in Google search results, content must be translated and adapted having the target audience in your mind. And even though artificial intelligence has developed greatly in recent years, it still cannot interpret things with the finesse and accuracy that only the human mind can do.

    What’s Next?

    Ambitious globalization plans fail when they are not accompanied by effective localization strategies. If you don’t pay attention to the cultural and social preferences of other target audiences, you may risk doing things that bother your potential customers. If the actions of your brand irritate consumers (such as the failure to convert the price into local currency or to translate the instructions for using the application in the native language of users), then they are very likely to opt for your competition’s products and services.

    Trying to capture an international audience? An efficient localization strategy is key to expand your business, increase your revenue and become a global brand. Learn more about how SandVox can help you pave the way for global growth or book a free consultation to see what localization solutions we offer.

  • Translation, Localization, and Transcreation – Which Is The Best?

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    Translation, localization, or transcreation? Which language service is the best option for your communication needs?

    Whether you are an established brand at the global level or are just planning to expand on the international market tempting to reach new customers, you need to create that engaging content that appeals to your audience. As a marketer or communicator, you need to know who your audience is, which are its characteristics, and what resonates the best with your prospects.

    But how do make your branded content attract, engage and convert an international audience into paying customers? Because for sure a Japanese audience will digest your content in a completely different way than your American or French potential customers. A campaign that is very successful in a country or a region can sound occurred and offensive somewhere else.

    Well, the answer is not hard to find as due to translation services you will be able to convey your message in the right way to any audience worldwide. In fact, as the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, the market for the translation and localization industry reached 49.6 billion US dollars in 2019, double than ten years earlier. 

    Source

    Generally speaking, translation is the process of converting content from one language into another, replacing word-for-word. Pretty simple, easy, and straightforward, right?

    Well…. Not quite. This definition tells just a part of the story. Because of all the processes involved, translation is somewhere at the border between science and art. Depending on your target audience, industry, budget, and business goals or communication channel, translation word-by-word might not be exactly the best approach. You would need to move forward with additional services, such as localization and transcreation. 

    But what exactly do they mean and how can help each service to convey the right message to your potential customers? Let’s break down these terms and find out why they are significant for your marketing activities.

    Translation

    While the process is simple, a literal translation often does not capture the cultural or locale-specific nuances of the target audience. Translators make sure to adapt the content into the new language so that it can be easy to understand by the local customers without injecting any creativity. The translation must keep the meaning of the original text by using different words and phrases where translation word-by-word is not possible.

    Translation implies replacing words in the source–language with the equivalent words in another language. It involves keeping the content essentially the same. The content will reflect the signification of the original text and provide the same meaning to the readers in the translated language.

    For instance, localization considers the format of dates, times, and currency. It considers whether users read from left-to-right (Western culture) or right-to-left (certain Middle Eastern and East Asian cultures). Images, graphics, and colors must also be adapted as they may convey different messages in different contexts. For example, white in European and American cultures represents the symbol of purity and innocence. On the other side, in Chinese culture, it also symbolizes purity and innocence, but white is associated with death and is a color commonly worn at funerals, too.

    Localization

    What is localization and how can it help you when writing for a global audience? In its pure meaning, localization is part of translation, but making a step forward and sometimes, it can be a standalone service. Besides translating the words, localization takes into consideration the specific locale. In other words, this means you need to better understand the cultural, political, and legal standards of your target foreign audience and make sure your content doesn’t offend in any way their culture, values, and norms.

    In many cases, certain words or expressions can be accepted in one region but stunned by the another; or some specific colors or symbols might represent something good in the original context and something offensive by the receiving reader.

    Localization, therefore, means to take into consideration all the local elements and adapt the original content in a such way that is suitable to the local market.

    Transcreation

    While localization considers the specific locale, transcreation goes one step further. It implies the normal translation process but adding an additional creative twist. It takes the original message and adapts new wording, phrases, and images to make it relatable to the target audience. Transcreation takes a message and recreates it in a way that aims to get the same emotional response as the original.

    Transcreation allows plenty of freedom of changing when adapting to a new audience. The goal is to restyle a message while maintaining the same emotions as the original text.

    As the name suggests, it’s a blend between “translation” and “creation”. For example, the SandVox team is made of native linguists who are not just translators but also copywriters with great creative thinking. They will translate your original content and infuse it with their own creativity and local cultural knowledge while promising to keep the existing tone of voice, the intent of your content, and style. This way your project will be translated to meet a specific audience’s needs and get the same reactions and emotions as the original one.

    When to Use Translation, Localization, and Transcreation

    When is it appropriate to use each of these three techniques? The answer to this question depends strongly on your goals. Below we’ll list a few examples of which situations would be most suitable for each of the techniques:

    Translation: All three methods utilize translation to some degree. However, a word-for-word or literal translation should only be used for simple content pieces. In translation, images, formats, and layouts all will typically remain the same – only the language changes.

    Types of content that need translation:

    • Technical documents
    • Product files
    • Legal documents
    • Manuals
    • Medical documents

    Localization: This option is preferred when you want to convey the meaning to a different audience in a culturally relevant way. Therefore, your target audience will be more receptive as the text, formatting, and images are all adapted to their locale.

    Types of content that need localization:

    • Website content
    • Apps and platforms
    • Video Games
    • E-Learning materials
    • Graphic images, icons, and ads
    • Any other kind of advertising document

    Transcreation: The key element that is not found in either translation or localization is emotion. Transcreation is ideal when you want to fully adapt and connect with your new market. Content like film or artistic media – content meant to evoke emotion – might be good candidates for transcreation.

    Other types of content that need transcreation:

    • Sales and marketing collateral
    • Advertisement texts
    •  Stories
    • Video Games
    • E-Learning documents
    • Website content
    • Blogposts.

    Solution

    SandVox is a premium one-stop-shop translation and localization agency addressing the gaming industry. Our team of expert translators and project managers put quality first and promise to produce great content that speaks to people from different cultures and boosts your game in particular and business, in general, all over the world.

    If you’re planning to translate and match your content to people from the multilingual public, get in touch today and we’ll help you to get the service that best suits your needs.


  • Top Marketing Trends for Gaming Industry in 2021

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    In recent years, the gaming industry has been characterized both by a huge increase and by consistent disruptions. Gaming enthusiasts have experienced it all: from increasing digital sales of esports and games to free-to-play revenue model adoption, cloud gaming platforms and live streaming. 

    Also, the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has shaped last year in unforeseeable ways, and the gaming marketers have had to prove their creativity and adaptability by reshaping and adjusting their overall strategy to the new market situation. As 2021 came with new challenges and expectations, they must design and implement the best methods to create buzz around their apps. According to Newzoo’s market report, the global video game market generated revenues of $159.3 billion in 2020, with over a 9.3% increase YoY. Also, the number of gamers will keep growing, reaching $200.8 billion by the end of 2023.

    Source

    In this post, we cover the most important marketing trends that will continue to shape the mobile gaming industry in 2021.

    1. Video Game Advertising

    The total worldwide smartphone gaming revenue was $82.6 billion at the end of 2019, while in-game ads contributed to 17% of that revenue. And, as that number is expected to triple by the end of 2024, it’s safe to say in-game ads one of the top gaming industry trends.

    41% of mobile gamers are more likely to pay attention to ads placed in mobile games than online (17%), print magazines (15%), or to outdoor advertising (15%). This way you have a great opportunity to send your message directly to your audience and to engage users that might be interested to try your app. 

    There are different types of in-game ads. 

    • Video ads:  like your landing page and ASO, videos make sense as mobile gaming ads. Your product has been designed to be visually appealing, so it’s perfectly normal to take the advantage of it.
    • Playable ads: voted as the most effective in-app ad format by U.S. professionals, they are a great way to drive installs for mobile games. This try-before-you-buy approach lets the prospects play a section of your game and have a clear expectation before they install, lowering the churn rate. 
    • Rewarded video ads: This is a gamification ad format where users can choose to view your ad and receive in-game rewards for their time. For example, a user can be rewarded in-game currency for watching a 30-second ad. Rewarded videos are considered by the Video ad network Unity Ads to be the “hottest revenue generator” on the market, and studies show that for the gaming industry biz, this is a smart way to attract users. 

    2. Gamer Demographics

    The traditional stereotype of a teenage male gamer is no longer the case in 2021. In fact, 45% of American gamers are women. Additionally, 35-44 years is the average age range of game players.

    Hyper-casual games are a significant factor in broadening gamer demographics. They are designed to be simple to play, engaging, and addicting. The minimalistic UI attracts gamers from all demographics. Hyper-casual games will continue to assert themselves in the coming years, drawing wide appeal from gamers. Gaming companies will look to the success of hyper-casual games as they look to develop new games in 2021.

    3. Growth of streaming in the Gaming Industry

    As viewers state they emotionally invest in streamers who actively build authentic communities, streaming has become an important marketing strategy for companies in recent years. The gaming influencers have an almost celebrity-like status, gaining popularity on various platforms like YouTube and Twitch. 

    Because they have the ability and ease to start and entail in live conversations with their fans, streamers generate extremely high audience engagement. Marketers are looking to collaborate with them to move their brands forward. By partnering with a streamer, you tap into a loyal fanbase that can drive up your brand awareness and increase revenues. 

    4. Free-to-Play Model

    The free-to-play model is hugely popular with gamers in the US, with an estimated 67 million users. This type of model allows gamers to play the core of the game for free. Game developers offer gamers an option to pay for in-game incentives, such as no ads, in-game currency, and other beneficial game features. Marketers should understand what gamer behavior indicators they’re measuring to then augment that data into their marketing efforts, which in turn will help them reach the audiences who are likely to spend.

    Being here to stay, this model will only grow in popularity with technological advances in 5G and augmented reality.

    5. Using social media to build the gaming community

    Social media is an excellent promotion channel for the games industry, allowing you to connect with your audience and build an engaged community. As the average user spends about 136 minutes on social networks, it is essential to make sure that your game is present where players spend most of their time. 

    This way, you create interest and emotion, while improving the user experience with a social element. For example, Angry Birds’ official Facebook page hosts different contests and shares advertising materials with their users, so they can connect with the brand.

    SandVox is a premium translation and localization agency that helps gaming companies market their products to an international audience. We have a team of professional marketers and linguists who understand the latest gaming industry trends, ensuring you meet your communication goals.

    Contact us today! We’d love to be part of your next project!

  • Top Reasons To Consider Polish Localization For Your Business

    If you want to successfully expand your business globally, then you should also consider Polish localization. And this means not just providing high-quality products and services, but also having a content localization strategy.

    You might ask why is this country so important? Well, there are a few statistical data that indicate that the Polish market is a relevant one. Therefore, including Polish localization in your overall business strategy could significantly boost your sales, regardless of the industry we are talking about.

    With $523 038.3 GDP (Gross Domestic Product),  Poland is the ninth-largest economy in the European Union in 2020.

    Polish-localization-GDP-in-Poland-2020

    It has a population of over 38 million people, with one of the strongest education systems in Europe. At the same time, some statistical data indicate that there are approximately 50 million Polish speakers worldwide.

    As the Polish economy grows, companies are increasingly interested in ways to enter or expand their businesses in this market. To be successful, you must take into account the unique linguistic and cultural nuances of the Polish people and consider content localization as the main component of your marketing and communication strategy.

    Let’s explore some reasons why you should pay greater attention to this European country.

    Reason #1 to consider Polish localization: rising levels of purchasing power

    On average, Poles had EUR 7,589 to spend in 2019. This is nearly half of the European purchasing power average of EUR 14,730 and despite the lower levels, it is steadily rising. With an income comparable to the average European salary, the middle class has grown significantly in the last decade and is the engine of the country’s development.

    As a foreign company, you should expect to face stiff competition, especially from local companies. You might consider internationalization as part of your production process. But when developing your communication strategy, you should opt for localizing content for the Polish consumer.

    This way you have the opportunity to tap into a market that your competitors may not even think about.

    Reason #2 to localize for the Polish market: educated consumers

    Poland offers one of the best education systems in Europe. Due to the reforms that have taken place since the 1990s in this area, the Polish educational system now compares with those in Germany and Finland.

    It’s no surprise that people with higher education will have higher incomes, generating higher sales. But they will also become more exigent customers and will inevitably lead to demand for high-quality products.

    Moreover, the Polish government intends to provide support for creative and localized products. For example, Poland was the first country to put the Polish computer game, This War Of Mine, on the official reading list for children in schools.

    Though Polish localization means not only adapting products and services to the specifics of the local consumers but also adapting the marketing communication. And the easiest way for you to do this is through web content localization.

    Reason #3 to think about Polish localization: brand loyalty

    Polish consumers tend to remain loyal to a brand or product once they perceive it to be reliable and trustworthy. Like many people all over the globe, Poles will pay higher prices for higher-quality products. Therefore, to gain their trust, you need to implement a localization strategy and adapt your products and services to the characteristics of the local audience.

    Reason #4: growing gaming scene

    Poland is among the top 25 countries worldwide with the highest game revenues. In 2018, the gaming industry generated sales of $541 million with forecasted growth to reach $625 million in 2021. Mobile games continue to be the largest segment, with projected growth of $317 million in 2021.

    Compared to online search, word of mouth is by far the preferred method of promoting and sharing new games among players. Therefore, collaboration with a translation agency that also offers you high-quality content localization services is so important.

    If you have games that are well-suited to this specific audience, you increase your chances of word-of-mouth advertising and allow more market penetration.

    SandVox: your localization agency for the Polish Market

    We offer a range of localization services to game developers and vendors around the world. Made up of native translators from around the world, our team of professional linguists and localization experts helps gaming companies expand into their target market. Whether you want to include Polish localization in your business strategy or target another country in the EU, Asia, or the USA.

    We’d love to be part of your next project. Contact us today for more information!

  • Why You Should Localize For The Polish Market

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    If you want to successfully expand your business on the Polish market, you should consider not just providing high-quality products and services, but also having a content localization strategy. 

    You might ask why is this country so important? Well, there are a few statistical data that indicate that Polish market is a relevant one, that could significantly boost your sales, regardless of the industry we are talking about.

    With $523 038.3 GDP (Gross Domestic Product),  Poland is the ninth  largest economy in the European Union in 2020 . 

    Localize for Polish Market - graph1

    It has a population of over 38 million people, with one of the strongest education systems in the world. Estimates indicate that there are approximately 50 million Polish speakers worldwide.

    As the Polish economy grows, companies are increasingly interested in ways to enter or expand their businesses in this market. To be successful, you must take into account the unique linguistic and cultural nuances of the Polish people and consider content localization as the main component of your marketing and communication strategy.

    Let’s explore some reasons why you should pay greater attention to this European country.

    Rising Levels of Purchasing Power

    On average, Poles had EUR 7,589 to spend in 2019. This is nearly half of the European purchasing power average of EUR 14,730 and despite the lower levels, it is steadily rising. With an income comparable to the average European salary, the middle class has grown significantly in the last decade and is the engine of the country’s development.

    As a foreign company, you should expect to face stiff competition, especially from local companies. Even if you will want to consider internationalization as part of your production process, we strongly advise you to opt for localizing content for the Polish consumer.

    This way  you have the opportunity to tap into a market that your competitors may not even think about.

    Educated Consumers

    Poland offers one of the best education systems in Europe. Due to the reforms that have taken place since the 1990s in this area, the Polish educational system now compares with those in Germany and Finland.

    It’s no surprise that people with higher education will have higher incomes, generating higher sales.. But they will also become more exigent customers and will inevitably lead to demand for high-quality products.

    Moreover, the Polish government intends to provide support for creative and localized products. For example, Poland was the first country to put the Polish computer game, This War Of Mine, on the official reading list for children in schools.

    Though localization means not only adapting products and services to the specifics of Polish consumers but also adapting the marketing communication. And the easiest way for you to do this is through web content localization. 

    Brand Loyalty

    Polish consumers tend to remain loyal to a brand or product once they perceive it to be reliable and trustworthy. Like many people all over the globe, Poles will pay higher prices for higher quality products. Therefore, you need to make sure that the products are translated and localized properly, which is the key to gaining their trust.

    Growing Gaming Scene

    Poland is among the top 25 countries worldwide with the highest game revenues. In 2018, the gaming industry generated sales of $541 million with forecasted growth to reach $625 million in 2021. Mobile games continue to be the largest segment, with projected growth of $317 million in 2021. 

    Compared to online search, word of mouth is by far the preferred method of promoting and sharing new games among players. Therefore, collaboration with a translation agency that also offers you high-quality content localization services is so important.  

    If you have games that are well-suited to this specific audience, you increase your chances of word-of-mouth advertising and allow more market penetration.

    SandVox: Your Localization Agency for the Polish Market

    We offer a range of localization services to game developers and vendors around the world. Made up of native translators from around the world, our team of professional linguists and localization experts helps gaming companies expand into their target market. Whether you want to conquer the Polish market or another country in the EU, Asia or the USA.

    We’d love to be part of your next project. Contact us today for more information!

  • Top 5 Benefits of Localization

    class=”entry-content” id=”pix-entry-content”> Regardless of their genres, all games are based on specific linguistic, cultural, emotional, economic, and historical backgrounds. However, they can be adapted to the customs and backgrounds of different regions using localization in that regional language.  Therefore, if you are able to understand the cultures and customs specific to a target market and communicate with your potential customers in their native language allows you to make the most of your projects in new markets. This is true for all areas, but especially in the gaming industry, and localization is undoubtedly the most effective way to reach more players and enter the global market. Even if localizing your game is not an easy process and implies more aspects, the effort will be worth it.  So, which are the top benefits of gaming localization? Let’s find out!

    1. Reaching New Markets

    Expanding on new markets and connecting with your customers are the key activities for growing your business and revenue. As the world is becoming more globalized than ever, if you want to find new customers, then localizing your app or game is extremely important.  Consider these stats:
    • 7 of the 10 top markets by iOS downloads are non-native English markets
    • 9 of the 10 top markets by Google Play downloads are non-native English markets
    • More than 50% of all queries on Google are in languages other than English
    •  75% of consumers are more likely to buy the same brand again if the after-sales care is in their native language
    Customers are demanding content that is helpful, relevant, and engaging for them. If you want to connect with your customers in other markets, having a localization strategy should be part of your business plan.

    2. Increasing Profit

    A study of Fortune 500 companies discovered that localized content doubled their chances of increasing the profit. Additionally, it’s 125% more likely companies would grow their earnings per share year-over-year thanks to localization. These findings indicate that adapted content to your target market sells. Customers are looking for products that help them to some specific pain points and they resonate with. When this thing happens, you’ll likely see higher conversions.

    3. Localization Helps You To Stand Out From Your Competitors

    Due to globalization, more and more companies are facing fierce local competition and are looking to expand on the global market. Even so, expanding on a new market – especially on a foreign one –  is not so easy. Except for adapting your products and services to the specifics of the new market, you also need to consider establishing an online presence and paying more attention to the audience’s needs.  Localized content will help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. Whether it’s your app, product, or marketing materials, the more tailored it is to your customers, the more of a competitive advantage you’ll have over your competitors.

    4. Building Brand Loyalty

    Today’s customers – and especially game players – are extremely demanding and from the first moment they interact with your brand, they expect to have a useful, captivating, and delightful experience adapted to their needs and desires. A bad experience or a wrong step of the company can make them quickly move away from your brand, products, and services. On the other hand, if you offer them personalized experiences, in a language that is easy to access and understand, you will draw their attention to your brand and you will gain their trust. Therefore, they will want to interact more and more with the products and services you offer, but also with your company.

    5. Cultural Sensitivity

    The social, political, and cultural environment in today’s society can be difficult paths to navigate on. Given the issues of climate change, racial justice, and other sensitive subjects at the forefront, customers are urging companies to be more socially aware, now more than ever. Introducing products, services, and communication campaigns without considering the context of your customers can be a sure recipe for disaster. By working with an agency that offers you high-quality localization services, you benefit from customized content according to your customers’ specific characteristics and ensure they engage with your message.

    How Can SandVox Help With your Game Localization?

    SandVox is a translation and localization agency that helps gaming companies get their games out to their intended market. We have a team of professional translators and marketers who have proven results for some of the top gaming companies in the world. Contact us today to find out more about the benefits you can get from your video game localization!

  • Top Game Genres in the US for 2020

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    Considered to be the birthplace of the gamins we know today, the US is also the leading gaming market worldwide. In 2020, the US market size for video games is estimated to be worth 60.4 billion USD. With no signs of demand slowing down, what are some of the top game genres in this rapidly growing US market? As you look to develop games for this key market, it’s important to know what your users want. This way, you position your game specifically in your customers’ minds and set it apart from the competition. 

    So, which are the most popular game categories in the US for 2020? Let’s find out!

    Statistic top game genres US 2020

    1. Action game genres

    According to Statista, the most popular game genre in the US is action (i.e. platform games, fighting games). This gaming genre challenges the player’s skills, coordination, and reflexes, unlike any other genre type. Games like Outriders, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Quarantine, Soulcalibur, and Mortal Kombat, are examples of popular games that Americans seem to love.

    2. Action-adventure

    As the name implies, action-adventure video game genres combine action along with more complex story elements. It takes advantage of the skill and dexterity required from action games and mixes it within a plot. The result is an all-immersive experience for players. Popular action-adventure games include The Legend of Zelda, Assassin’s Creed, and Resident Evil.

    3. Strategy game genres

    Instead of relying on speed and reflex, strategy games rely more on strategic thinking and action to achieve the desired outcome. This game category can either be turn-based or real-time. Examples of strategy games are diverse, ranging from games like StarCraft, Civilization, and Bloons TD.

    4. Casual games

    Casual games have become an important gaming genre as they appeal to a wide audience. Now, it’s not just the typical player who will get into gaming, but it’s everyone from your brother to your aunt to maybe even your grandma. There are many subgenres of this type of games, including puzzle games, hidden object games, word & trivia games, and more.

    5. Shooter Games

    Shooter games are a type of action games that involve testing the player’s spatial awareness, reflexes, and speed. They have a wide appeal since they are exciting and relatively easy to pick up. Especially popular in the US are first-person shooters. Games like Unreal Tournament, Doom, Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, etc., have been gamers’ favourites for some time.

    6. Adventure Games

    Narrative-based adventure games have also been increasingly popular in the US market. Players assume the role of the protagonist navigating through an interactive storyline to solve puzzles and achieve missions. Some of the more popular games in this category include Minecraft, The Walking Dead, and Life is Strange.

    Runner ups

    Other popular types of video games in the US include:

    • Role-playing
    • Sports
    • Simulation
    • MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online)
    • MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing)
    • MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas)

    SandVox: Game Localization & Marketing Agency

    The US gaming market is constantly evolving. Understanding the demands and expectations of gamers is not an easy task. That’s why it’s important to be keeping up-to-date with the latest game localization and gaming trends.

    SandVox is a leading localization and marketing agency for companies that develop different game genres for the international market. We offer quality services to help you share your game with your target audience. 

    Contact us now to find more information!

  • Top Reasons To Localize For The Dutch Market

    When talking about translation and localization, you might think these services are important only for the large markets, such as the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, or France. But due to globalization, businesses are expanding all over the world. Therefore, localization for smaller audiences, such as the Dutch market, has its own benefits as well.

    In this article, we’ll explain why it’s important to localize for the Dutch audience and help you to understand why you should consider this market when developing your localization strategy.

    Reach a Large Number of Dutch Speakers

    Dutch is the official language in six countries: Netherlands, Belgium, Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten. With 23 million native Dutch speakers around the globe, it is one of the top 40 languages spoken worldwide. Moreover, outside of Dutch-speaking nations, you can find 220 universities spread in 40 countries where people learn this language. By localizing your product, game, or app and creating a consistent content localization strategy, you are potentially reaching a sizable number of Dutch-speaking customers.

    People Acting On The Dutch Market Are Willing To Pay For Quality

    Dutch customers are highly sophisticated and have great purchasing power. In fact, the Netherlands is in the top 15 for GDP per capita at $54,422 in 2017 and US News ranks the Netherlands in 7th place in the top countries with the highest living standards

    As the quality of life and sustainability are important to the Dutch market, this audience generally does their research before deciding to buy. As a result, they are willing to pay higher prices for quality and products that matter to them. At the same time, you should understand the competition is fierce, not just with other foreign companies that try also to get the attention of their potential customers, but also with the local businesses. And this is because local businesses know their market very well and know how to communicate with their potential customers. To reach this highly sophisticated market, you should first answer the questions “What is localization?” and “What part of my business should be localized?”. Then, depending on the specificity of the market and the answers you get, you may consider both products/ service localization and content localization, as the main components of your business strategy.

    Growing Economy

    The agriculture and food, energy, logistics & transportation, and manufacturing sectors are some of the largest industries in the Netherlands. However, the Dutch economy is also seeing growth in other areas, such as e-commerce, high-tech systems, and even the gaming industry. In the Netherlands gaming industry alone, app-based gaming generated $422 million in 2020 and it’s expected to grow by $460 million in 2023.

    As you can see, the demand for these kinds of products will not go away soon. And even if you’ll choose internationalization for some of the production processes, by localizing for the Dutch audience, you’ll glean the benefits of entering into a growing economy.

    High English Proficiency

    The cultural and linguistic difference between English and Dutch may not be as big as it seems. Strong English proficiency is a hallmark of Dutch speakers, especially in the Netherlands. Studies estimate that 90 to 93% of the Dutch population speaks English. Dependence on international trade, the collaboration between television and the media in English-speaking and Dutch-speaking countries are factors that contribute to advanced knowledge of the English language.

    This high proficiency can make it easier to localize content for the Dutch-speaking audience compared to other target markets, especially when you want to implement web content localization.

    SandVox: Your Translation and Localization Agency

    We aim to be the one-stop-shop agency for both writers and gaming developers, by offering you translation and localization services in all major languages. Made up of native translators from around the world, our team of professional linguists and localization experts will help you to expand your business on the desired target market, even if it’s about the USA, Mexico, Germany, Japan or the Dutch market.

    Contact us today for more information. We’ll be happy to help you!

     

  • Danish Localization: What You Should Know

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    The Danes are some of the most demanding customers in Europe. With high purchasing power, the Danish consumer is not afraid of opening up their wallets to quality products. In 2018, Denmark ranked 7th in purchasing power among all European countries. Consumers are increasingly spending money online, purchasing products like fashion, electronics, media, and games.

    The potential to break into the Danish market and increase revenues is great. However, you need to be strategic and understand the Danish consumer before attempting to do so. Simply translating your product into the Danish language is not enough. You also need to consider other factors like their culture, consumer profile, context, and more.

     

    Sophisticated Consumers

    Consumers in Denmark are incredibly sophisticated when it comes to making purchasing decisions. Approximately 81 percent of the population aged 25 to 64 have secondary education. Nearly 37 percent have tertiary education. 

    As highly educated consumers, Danes love to research extensively before making a purchase. They will often do their research before stepping foot in a store. This is why quality localization is vital when marketing to the Danish market.

     

    Healthy Economy

    Denmark has a robust modern mixed-economy centered around the agricultural, services, trade, and manufacturing industries. It has a high standard of living and is the 60th largest economy in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). With its economic influence, Denmark acts as a gateway to many of the Scandinavian and Baltic nations. Therefore, tapping into the Danish market could help businesses look to expand to neighboring countries further.  

     

    A Digitized Nation

    Denmark is ranked 4th as the most digital country in the world. They have the highest number of Internet users in the European Union, with the most popular online activities is listening to music, gaming, and watching videos.

    Marketing via social networks plays a crucial role in reaching Danish consumers. Consumers typically look to online reviews and social media influencers for product recommendations. While Danes are open to foreign products, they often prefer local products with a long-established brand reputation.

     

    Doing Business in Denmark

    The World Bank ranks Denmark as 4th highest globally and 1st in the EU in ease of doing business. Factors like ease of starting a business, trading across borders, paying taxes, and obtaining credit all contribute to making Denmark an attractive country to conduct business in. 

     

    Passionate Gamers

    The Danes love their online games. But, there is one particular gaming industry Denmark is known for: eSports. Denmark has one of the largest eSports followings in the world. Some of the top eSports players originate from Denmark, including Dane Johan Sundstein (i.e., “N0tail”), who leads all eSport players worldwide in total earnings. Moreover, in 2019, there were 410 active eSports competition players in Denmark. The gaming market is steadily growing, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak, with more players purchasing video game content online.

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  • Top Reasons To Consider Dutch Localization

    When talking about translation and localization, you might think these services are essential only for large markets, such as the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, or France. But due to globalization, businesses are expanding all over the world. Therefore, localization for smaller audiences, such as the Dutch market, also has its own benefits.

    In this article, we’ll explain why it’s essential to consider Dutch localization for your game and include this market in your localization strategy.

    Reach a Large Number of Dutch Speakers

    Dutch is the official language in six countries: Netherlands, Belgium, Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten. With 23 million native Dutch speakers around the globe, it is one of the top 40 languages spoken worldwide. Moreover, outside of Dutch-speaking nations, you can find 220 universities in 40 countries where people learn this language. Considering game localization in Dutch and creating a consistent localization strategy, you are potentially reaching a sizable number of Dutch-speaking customers.

    People Acting On The Dutch Market Are Willing To Pay For Quality

    Dutch customers are highly sophisticated and have excellent purchasing power. In fact, the Netherlands is in the top 15 for GDP per capita at $54,422 in 2017, and US News ranks the Netherlands in 7th place with the highest living standards.

    As the quality of life and sustainability are essential to the Dutch market and fundamental to Dutch culture, this audience does their research before deciding to buy. As a result, they are willing to pay higher prices for quality and products that matter to them. Providing your potential customers with software localization and website translation into their native language will show them that you also care for them.

    Local Competitors Have A Decisive Advantage

    Keep in mind that there is fierce competition, not just with other foreign companies trying to get their potential customers’ attention, but also with the local businesses. And this is because local businesses know their market very well and know how to communicate with their potential customers. Take for granted that your local competitors also use SEO localization. giving them a competitive edge. To reach this highly sophisticated market, you should first answer the question “What is localization?” and “What part of my business should be localized?”. You may also consider both product localization and content localization as the main components of your business strategy, depending on the market specificities.

    Growing Economy

    The agriculture and food, energy, logistics & transportation, and manufacturing sectors are some of the largest industries in the Netherlands. However, the Dutch economy is also seeing growth in other areas, such as e-commerce, high-tech systems, and even the gaming industry. In the Netherlands gaming industry alone, app-based gaming generated $422 million in 2020 and it’s expected to grow by $460 million in 2023.

    As you can see, the demand for these products will not go away soon. And even if you choose internationalization for some production processes, by offering Dutch translation for your target market, you’ll glean the benefits of entering into a growing economy.

    High English Proficiency

    The cultural and linguistic differences between the English and Dutch language may not be as significant as it seems. Strong English proficiency is a hallmark of Dutch speakers, especially in the Netherlands. Studies estimate that 90 to 93% of the Dutch population speaks English. Dependence on international trade and the collaboration between television and the media in English-speaking and Dutch-speaking countries contribute to advanced English language knowledge.

    This high proficiency can make content translation for the Dutch-speaking audience easier than for other target markets, especially when you want to implement web content localization.

    SandVox: Your Translation and Localization Agency

    We aim to be the one-stop-shop professional translation service agency for game developers, by offering you the best translation services in all major languages. Made up of native translators from around the world, our team of professional linguists and localization experts will help you with quality translation services and language support. We help you expand your business to the desired target market, whether it’s into America, Germany, Japan, or the Dutch market.

    Contact us today for more information. We’ll be happy to assist you!