List of 9 Leading Game Translation Company for Business

Choosing the right game translation company is a challenging task in today’s interconnected world. With numerous options promising top-quality services, the decision-making process can be overwhelming. 

That is where this post comes into play. Here, you will find the top 9 game translation companies that can fulfill your translation needs as well as a list of criteria that you can rely on to find the right translation partner without wasting too much time.

Top 9 Game Translation Companies For Business

Below are the top 9 companies that excel in this field. These companies have been carefully chosen based on their reputation, experience, customer reviews, pricing, and other important factors.

#1. GTE Localize – The leading game translation company for businesses

GTE Localize is a rapidly expanding translation and localization firm that offers game translation services in almost all languages worldwide. Since its establishment in 2017, GTE Localize has grown its network to include over 1200 linguists as of 2021. This extensive network allows them to offer fast turnaround times and competitive rates to their clients.

Besides the competitive advantage in the turnaround time, they also commit to creating natural and culturally relevant localizations that resonate with players. To do this, they employ native speakers and experienced gamers who understand the nuances of game localization. GTE Localize also prioritizes compliance requirements and the use of appropriate first-party terminology to ensure that the localized versions of games meet industry standards. 

Another highlight of GTE Localize is that they have integrated cutting-edge translation technology solutions, such as Vendor Portals and Translation Management Systems, into their workflow. These technologies not only help enhance their productivity and quality control but also reduce costs for their clients. 

With all of these outstanding values, you can expect reliable and efficient game translation services from GTE Localize.

#2. Alconost

As a quality-first localization company, Alconost specializes in localizing games, apps, and websites into over 70 languages. With a portfolio of 1,500 completed projects, Alconost has demonstrated its expertise in linguistic quality assurance (QA) for games like Paradox Interactive’s Stellaris: Galaxy Command and BattleTech. They have also provided continuous localization for mobile hits like MyCafe and tackled the massive 150,000-word translation of the TikTok app.

Needless to say, their collaboration with these publishers has showcased the company’s expertise in the gaming industry. 

#3. Level Up Translation

Level Up Translation is led by a team of experienced game translators who specialize in producing localized versions of games in over 20 languages, including French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese. To ensure that games are localized effectively across various platforms (PC, console, mobile, and browser), they work closely with their every publisher.

While rates may vary depending on the project, Level Up provides free estimates to game publishers who show interest in their services.

#4. Nitro – A good choice for your game translation company

Although technically owned by Alconost, Nitro stands out in the industry thanks to its unique pricing structure and quick turnaround times. In particular, they offer pay-as-you-go pricing without any minimum orders, and the rates for language translations are clearly listed on their website. Furthermore, Nitro employs professional native-speaking translators for over 70 languages, with an impressive 96% of orders being ready within 24 hours. 

While Nitro may not offer the same level of robustness as the other services on this list, they excel in being easy, fast, and affordable. Nitro is particularly well-suited for publishers with tight deadlines, requiring translation assistance for shorter pieces or less text-heavy games across specific territories.

#5. Glyph Language Services

Glyph Language Services prides itself on using cutting-edge technology and translation tools to enhance video game translation consistency and efficiency. Their comprehensive range of services includes the use of computer-assisted translation tools like MemoQ, which aids publishers in managing terminology, project management, QA, filters for non-translatable terms, and more. They also offer assistance throughout the entire localization process, from script localization to final in-game testing.

The robust offerings from Glyph Language Services make them a one-stop game translation company for publishers who seek support at every stage of the localization process. They even provide ongoing support for post-launch updates that cater to the demand for continuous updates in the “games as a service” model. 

#6. Localize Direct

Localize Direct provides a comprehensive range of game services, including translation, quality assurance, and a custom content management system (CMS) designed specifically for localization purposes. Their pricing starts at just €0.11 per word, with a minimum order requirement of €40. They also offer flexibility to clients, allowing payments to be made in both EUR and USD.

With an impressive portfolio of over 1,000 localized games, Localize Direct has worked with renowned publishers such as Warner Bros., Square Enix, Bethesda, Rebellion, and several other well-known studios. To ensure their efficiency in the translation industry, they have an extensive network of native speakers, spanning more than 65 language pairs.

#7. Pangea Localization Services

Pangea Localization Services is a leading international game translation company with a strong presence in the EU and the UK. They specialize in providing translation and localization services for various industries, including iGaming, eLearning, financial institutions, automotive, and marketing agencies worldwide. Notably, Pangea is one of the few translation companies in the UK that holds both ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 certifications.

Together with a team of over 600 translation professionals, terminologists, linguists, and industry experts, Pangea Localization Services ensures accurate and culturally relevant translations that resonate with your target audiences.

#8. Tomedes Translation Company – A reliable game translation company in the industry

Tomedes Translation Company is a rapidly growing language service provider that specializes in offering customized solutions to small and medium enterprises across more than 120 languages and 950 language pairs worldwide. 

Tomedes is committed to ensuring exceptional customer experience and high translation quality. Their dedication to excellence has been acknowledged by industry experts, as they have been recognized as one of the top firms for translation services by Goodfirms Reviews, one of the top 100 companies in Israel by Globes/Statista, and one of the leading B2B service providers in the Portland area by UpCity. 

#9. Ulatus

Ulatus is a leading provider of Language Translation Services and localization solutions, dedicated to helping enterprises worldwide establish a strong local presence. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization, they adhere to a rigorous Translation Quality Management System (TQMS) to ensure exceptional output quality for their every project.

With their motto “Localize to Globalize,” Ulatus goes beyond mere language translation but aims to support brands in creating a robust local presence. Their comprehensive localization solutions have empowered over 200,000 companies across the globe to effectively communicate with their target audiences in more than 50 native languages.

How To Choose the Right Game Translation Partners? 

Before delving into the primary criteria for selecting a professional game translation company, there are several factors you should consider when evaluating game localization services:

• Language availability: Naturally, game localization companies should offer translation services in the languages you require. However, while some companies cover a dozen languages, others may boast an impressive array of language pairs. 
• Budget and pricing structure: While certain services come with project and budget minimums, others offer a more flexible approach. Carefully consider how these services can fit into your budget, especially if you are a small studio.
• Expertise in video games: The interactive nature of video games sets them apart from other forms of media translation. Therefore, it is best to partner with a company that grasps the intricacies of the gaming industry and the unique features of video games themselves.

Now, let’s explore the criteria that will help you compare potential game translation partners and make an informed decision:

#1. Rate & Quality

Among a variety of game translation partner options, which ones offer a rate that is within your budget? While everyone desires top-notch translations at the lowest price, it might not be wise to solely opt for the lowest price. Quality and price go hand in hand in most cases.

You should request quotes from your potential partners and compare their average rates. This will allow you to gauge a reasonable price range. Don’t forget to inquire about potential discounts or any hidden costs/taxes that might affect the final figure. The goal here is to strike the right balance between quality and affordability.

#2. Review

Customer reviews are an excellent resource for gaining insight into translation agencies and their service quality. By reading feedback from previous customers, you can assess not only their capabilities but also their experience. This allows you to get a better understanding of their working procedures and processes. You can check their customer reviews on some popular review platforms such as GoodFirms.co or Clutch. For example, you can refer to GTE Localize’s GoodFirms profile and Clutch.co profile to see their feedback.

In addition to client reviews, feedback from translators who have collaborated with the agency will be helpful for your final decision. This matters because a good translation agency should respect both its clients and translators, who have brought the agency great value. Good translators are the key to getting quality work done for you.

For a translator’s perspective, platforms like ProZ give you a behind-the-scenes look. Here is a simple rule: if a translation company is legit, they should have a profile on ProZ. If they don’t, it could be a sign of trouble. It might mean they are not playing fair or have issues that keep them away from ProZ. You can check out GTE Localize’s Proz profile to see what a trustworthy translation company should be.

#3. Industry experience

Relevant real-life translation experience is crucial when selecting the right translation company. While a translator may have an excellent educational background, without industry-specific experience, they may not be the best fit for your needs. Instead, you should seek out companies with a proven track record in translating content within the game industry. By partnering with a translation agency that understands the nuances and terminology of your field, you can greatly enhance the quality and accuracy of translations.

When evaluating a game translation company’s industry experience, don’t forget to take into account the number of years they have been operating and the range of projects they have successfully completed. 

#4. Certification

Certification serves as proof of a translator or translation agency’s ability to handle translation projects effectively.

If you are selecting translators, you should prioritize those who have undergone professional education and training in languages and translation, such as a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation or certification from reputable organizations like the American Translators Association (ATA).

When it comes to translation agencies, it is highly recommended that you work with those that are ISO-certified. ISO certification demonstrates their commitment to following globally recognized standards. Specifically, consider translation agencies with ISO 9001:2015 certification for Quality Management Systems and/or ISO 17100:2015 certification for Requirements for Translation Services. 

#5. Membership

Another important factor you should consider is the partnerships and memberships of your game translation services. This reflects their commitment to expanding their relationships and networks with professional translation organizations and partners. It also indicates their ongoing efforts to stay updated with the latest knowledge in the localization industry. By working with these translation partners, you can benefit from their continuous learning and access to valuable industry insights.

Therefore, it would be a wise choice to look for a game translation company that actively engages in partnerships and holds memberships with reputable industry organizations. 

Certificate & membership of GTE’s Localize

#6. Other factors

In addition to the main criteria mentioned above, there are several other factors for you to consider:

• Their accepted currencies;
• Accepted office locations;
• Payment term;
• The ability to work with CAT tools/QA tools/other systems required by you;
• Their willingness to support other specific requirements from your company.

Once you have considered these factors, narrow down your choices to three translation partners. At this stage, you should request a sample test from each of them to evaluate their translation quality and suitability for your project.

*** It is important to note that in some cases, the selected translation partner may not meet deadlines or deliver satisfactory quality. To ensure that the translation is ready according to your company’s business plan, it is essential to have a backup plan. You can consider having an alternative translation partner from your shortlist who can be readily available to handle the project on short notice.

Get a 1:1 consultation

In the dynamic world of gaming, effective communication across different languages is of utmost importance. While finding a reliable game translation company may require time and effort, the results are undeniably worthwhile. To save you time, consider GTE Localize for your upcoming translation project.

We stand out in the industry for several reasons:

• GoodFirms recommends us as a top translation provider;
• We offer a lifetime warranty on all our translation projects. This not only showcases the quality of our work but also guarantees customer satisfaction;
• Our team consists of 100% native translators and subject-matter experts, supported by the latest technologies in the translation and localization industry;
• We have helped many companies reach their target markets successfully;
• We have a 99% on-time delivery rate and no hidden fees.

Contact our localization experts today to receive a free 300-word test or a 1:1 consultation. 

If you are interested in learning more about localization strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises, you can download our whitepaper here.