Article published In:
Digital Translation: Online-First Articles

The Cake is a Lie

On video games, localization and authenticity

ORCID logo | University of Texas at Austin
ORCID logo | University of Campinas
ORCID logo | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Authenticity is commonly discussed by scholars specialized in game localization. Their discussions range from the challenge professional localizers face to the role of using authentic materials in the classroom to train new localization professionals. This paper discusses the issue of localization practices and game authenticity, addressing how game developers and localization professionals debate this issue. To do so, the paper defines localization and authenticity and presents a literature review on the theme. After that, we present the results from interviews and fieldwork at game conventions on three different themes: culture and authenticity in games, game changes during localization process, and authenticity definitions. We conclude that the discussion between authenticity and localization should be based on the localizer’s language so the research about this topic can be further investigated.

Keywords: localization, authenticity, video games, Science and Technology Studies, game studies
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.A literature review on authenticity and localization studies
  • 3.Methodology
  • 4.Data analysis
    • 4.1On culture and authenticity
    • 4.2On game changes
    • 4.3Defining authenticity
  • 5.Final thoughts
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • Gameography
  • References
Published online: 6 June 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/dt.23003.fon
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