Perspectives on video game localization: paratextuality and inclusiveness in the entertainment media of the 21st century

Abstract

Video games are products that try to offer new types of experiences and to paratranslate reality, with the final goal of offering unique experiences that are delivered through every sense of the human body. The public is broader than ever and electronic entertainment products try to be innovative and reflexive, so they can offer fun play sessions, but also in order to recreate reality and offer food for thought to players, regarding social problems. And, for all of this, localization plays a key role. First of all, due to the importance of paratexts and the need to properly adapt them to different markets. Secondly, due to the importance of being an inclusive medium that can be enjoyed by every kind of users, trying to avoid every message to users that relies in “masculine by default”. In this study, we will analyze the market and also several academic studies that delve into video game development and localization. Then, we will cover a series of examples where paratextual elements have been modified to fit better in different markets. Lastly, we will analyze the problem of inclusion and the strategies that are available for localizers in order to help every user to feel represented, regardless of their gender.