Game Localization · Glossary
How Much Does Game Localization Cost?
Game localization cost depends on four primary variables: word count (the volume of translatable text), language pair (the source and target languages), content type (UI strings, narrative dialog, and marketing copy are priced differently), and service scope (translation only vs. translation plus LocQA, voice-over, or project management). Understanding these variables lets you estimate your budget before requesting quotes.
Per-Word Rates: The Basic Unit
Translation is most commonly priced per source word. Industry rates for game localization vary by language pair and translator expertise level: European language pairs (EN→DE, EN→FR, EN→ES) from professional specialist agencies typically run $0.10–$0.25 per word. East Asian pairs (EN→JA, EN→KO, EN→ZH) typically run $0.12–$0.30 per word due to complexity and specialist demand. Complex or rare language pairs (EN→AR, EN→TH) run $0.15–$0.35+. Rates below $0.05/word typically indicate machine translation with minimal human review — insufficient quality for published games.
Full Project Cost Ranges
Realistic cost ranges for typical game localization projects: small indie game (5,000–20,000 words, one language) $500–$5,000; mid-size mobile game (20,000–100,000 words, one language) $2,000–$25,000; narrative RPG or visual novel (200,000+ words, one language) $20,000–$60,000+; MMORPG at launch (1M+ words, one language) $100,000–$400,000+. Voice-over adds substantially to these figures. Multi-language projects multiply these estimates by language count, partially offset by shared project management and translation memory discounts.
What Drives Cost Up or Down
Factors that increase cost: high word count, rare or complex language pairs, tight deadlines (rush surcharges), voice-over requirements, poor source text quality requiring correction before translation, lack of context for translators (increasing revision rounds), and no existing translation memory. Factors that reduce cost: reuse of existing translation memory (previously translated segments don’t need retranslation), good source text quality and context documentation, flexible timelines, and long-term retainer relationships.
LocQA and Additional Services
Translation is one component. A full professional localization project also typically includes: localization QA (LocQA) — testing translated content in-context in the game — which may add 20–40% to translation cost; project management; glossary creation; and style guide development. For games where quality matters to commercial success, skipping LocQA is a false economy: post-launch localization patches and community reputation damage from visible errors typically cost more than LocQA would have.
SandVox and Game Localization Cost
SandVox provides per-project quotes based on your word count, target languages, content types, and timeline. We don’t publish rate cards because every project is different — but we respond to all quote requests within one business day with a detailed scope and estimate.
Related terms: Game Localization · Localization Qa · Mtpe · Translation Memory
Frequently Asked Questions
Is per-word pricing the only pricing model for game localization?
No. Per-word is most common for translation. LocQA is often priced per hour or per language per build. Project management and style guide creation may be priced as fixed fees. Voice-over is priced per finished minute of recorded audio, not per word. For live-service games, retainer pricing (monthly fixed fee for recurring volume) is common and provides budget predictability.
Why is Japanese localization more expensive than German?
Japanese requires specialist translators with deep gaming culture knowledge — the pool of qualified EN→JA game translators is smaller than EN→DE. Japanese game localization also involves specific challenges (honorific systems, onomatopoeia, cultural reference density) that require more nuanced judgment. Supply and demand for specialist expertise drives the rate premium.
Can I reduce cost by using machine translation?
Machine translation (MT) reduces word-level translation cost but introduces risks: MT quality for game dialog is often visibly poor — players notice and leave negative reviews. Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE), where human editors review and correct MT output, can be cost-effective for high-volume, low-context content like UI strings and patch notes, but rarely produces publishable quality for narrative dialog without substantial human effort.
How does translation memory save money on ongoing projects?
Translation memory (TM) stores all previously translated segments. When new content is submitted, the TM automatically identifies segments identical or similar to previously translated content. Exact matches (100%) are applied automatically at no translation cost; fuzzy matches (75–99%) are discounted. For live-service games with recurring update content, TM discounts can reduce ongoing translation costs by 20–40%.
Need Expert Game Localization?
SandVox provides end-to-end game localization including game localization cost — for narrative games, mobile titles, webtoons, and interactive fiction.