Linguocultural aspect of localization of in-game terms and realia (based on the computer role-playing game Disco Elysium)
- DOI
- 10.5922/vestnikpsy-2025-1-4
- Pages
- 41—55
Abstract
This research is devoted to the study of efficacious translation strategies in the process of game localization. It discusses the means of linguistic localization of videogames in terms of cultural linguistic approach. The attention is paid to the analysis of the methods and grounds for choosing certain translation strategies so as to adapt the in-game realia fand terms for the target gaming community. The research is based on the materials of the role-playing computer game (RPG) Disco Elysium and its official Russian translation. The game glossary drawn up in the process of the study and the subsequent comparison of the lexical units enables to identify the main peculiarities of translation solutions. The analysis of the empirical material has shown that in the linguistic localization of a game product domestication, foreignization, compensation, direct translation and transcreation are used as the main strategies of linguistic and cultural adaptation. The article explores optimal and effective strategies for video game localization within a linguocultural framework. Methods of linguistic localization for in-game realities of computer video games and the rationale for choosing translation strategies to adapt the game product for the target audience are analyzed. The study is based on the material of the English-language role-playing game (RPG) Disco Elysium and its official Russian version. A glossary of translation equivalents compiled during the study and the subsequent comparison of lexical units in the original and localized versions revealed the main features of translation decisions. The analysis of empirical material demonstrated that linguistic localization for the linguistic localization of the game product employs strategies such as domestication, foreignization, compensation, direct translation, and transcreation.