Software localization is an interesting process in which changes are incorporated into the contents of a software program in order to better suit a foreign audience. For example, some software designed in America may be in English. But this would be translated into Spanish, German and French in order to be more commercially viable in Spain, Germany and France. In most cases, localization is only a change in the language, while the content, the mathematics and the principal functions of the software remain the same. Localization of software does not just mean a translation of software. Sometimes, cultural references are changed in order to relate better to people in other countries. As an example, a reference to New York's Statue of Liberty can be modified to Paris' Eiffel Tower when retailing into France. Care is taken to see that such cultural changes do not change the basic essence of the program and make it seem absurd. These cultural modifications are especially seen in software games. Today, most all computer games are localized to at least three different cultures. Definitely, localizing software is a very extensive task. It requires a vast number of changes incorporated into the program, including language changes, cultural changes and sometimes even image changes. Companies who design the software do not find it worthwhile to invest their own resources in localizations and outsource many projects. There is another kind of localized software called console gaming localization. In this localization found in console games, cartridges are made in such a way that they will not work in a foreign country. Every country has its specific brand of console machines, and cartridges can be disabled in a particular brand. Companies that design sensitive software, including games that might be offensive or attract censorship in other countries, mostly use such console gaming. |
