Videogame Localization: The case of "Cattails: Wildwood Story"

Videogames represent a dynamic and multifaceted medium, blending storytelling, interactivity, and technology. Due to their popularity and cultural significance, the processes of translation and localization became essential to ensure accessibility and enjoyment among players across the globe. However, translating videogames is far more complex than simply converting text from one language to another; it requires facing linguistic, cultural, and technical challenges while preserving the essence of the gaming experience. This thesis analyzes the complexities of translating and localizing videogames, combining translation theories with practical application. The first chapter provides an overview of translation studies, emphasizing the concept of equivalence and its crucial role in ensuring fidelity and functionality during translation. Skopos theory is also examined to highlight the purpose-driven nature of translation and the dynamic relationship between a source text (ST) and a target text (TT). Key concepts such as localization, internationalization, and globalization, are explored alongside adaptation and culturalization. The chapter closes with an exploration of videogame history, from the very beginning, in the 1970s up to the 2010s. The second chapter focuses on videogame genres and classification systems, addressing the persistent and never-ending challenges of establishing a standardized taxonomy. The third chapter examines the videogame localization process, outlining key strategies and challenges that translators have to face. Particular attention is given to the translation of humor, linguistic variation, taboo topics and censorship, and cultural elements, which often require creative adaptation to maintain the intended experience in the target language. Finally, the fourth chapter presents a practical application of these theories through the personal translation of the videogame Cattails: Wildwood Story (2023) into Italian. This chapter analyzes the game’s content, textual components, and translation decisions, connecting the theoretical frameworks discussed in earlier chapters with practical application. This thesis aims to contribute to the field by offering a thorough analysis of videogame translation and localization, emphasizing the relationship between theory and practice and highlighting the cultural and linguistic considerations essential for successful transcreation.