Curse

Gaile Gray · Jun 12, 2006, 06:25 PM // 18:25

Hi, there,

As we continue to examine Prophecies and Factions for possible improvements, and as we move forward into Campaign 3, we want to ask your thoughts on the localization of our games. Do you have feedback on words or phrases, or do you have localization suggestions that you would like to share with us? We are asking about this matter in a few English-language forums since we are aware that many of our players are bi-lingual or multi-lingual. We hope that you will share your thoughts about this vital subject here, in addition to the non-English forums on which you may also post.

If you have comments you'd like to make, please let us know. We prefer specifics over general statements. For instance, if you read a mission description that is confusing, could you write the existing text and your suggestions for improvement? If you find that a certain phrase is used in a manner that you feel is incorrect, would you share that phrase with us, along with what you feel would be preferred phrasing? When you have a word in mind that is just perfect for a certain use, could you let us know that comment?

Any help you can give us with this important issue is greatly appreciated! Thank you, in every language!

Lasher Dragon · Jun 12, 2006, 06:49 PM // 18:49

Gaile is asking for specific things involving the localization of Guild Wars. Do not come in here with a laundry list of changes you want made, as I am sure ANet is aware of the popular suggestions involving changes in the game.

Post in this thread if you have some specific text in-game that you think wasn't translated correctly, or could use a better translation.

The Great Al · Jun 12, 2006, 06:51 PM // 18:51

I'm sorry, by localization, I thought she meant things that should be specific to US servers in general..you can delete my post.

Gaile Gray · Jun 12, 2006, 07:48 PM // 19:48

Oh, sorry for the confusion. It was only recently that I learned the word "localization." I had thought that anything involved with changing verbiage from one language to another was "translation." But according to my sources, localization is designed to not only literally translate the words, but make them more sensible and more appropriate for the culture involved. Localization specialists are very talented people who work with words on several levels.

So yes, I do mean the words in the game. Thanks for the clarification!

Gaile Gray · Jun 12, 2006, 09:19 PM // 21:19

I think this feedback is very important. I think that in order to keep the discussions focused, and to give them the best level of attention, we really need two threads: One on localization (that is, translation from English into other languages) and one on the in-game text in English, for those instances where you see inconsistencies or confusing language.

I'll start that second thread, calling it "Your Feedback Sought: English" and if you can move your comments on the English-language content there, I'd be very grateful!

Thanks so much for your willingness to go above and beyond and help with two projects instead of just one!

eightyfour-onesevenfive · Jun 12, 2006, 11:18 PM // 23:18

One thing I recently noticed in the German localisation (I am native German, but I usually play the game in English) is that all titles are displayed in their female form.

In English it doesn't matter whether the person is male or female, the title would always be "Treasure Hunter" (for example). In German this is different. A male person would be "Schatzjäger", a female person "Schatzjägerin". Currently everyone with that title is called "Schatz-Jägerin" (note that you normally would write it as one word, too, not with a hyphen), even male characters. The same applies to all other titles.

Is that the kind of feedback you had in mind?

Lasher Dragon · Jun 12, 2006, 11:27 PM // 23:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by eightyfour-onesevenfive

Is that the kind of feedback you had in mind?

Exactly what she is looking for.

Vermilion Okeanos · Jun 13, 2006, 01:02 AM // 01:02

Alot of Chinese translation are actually a bit off.

One example that came to mind immediately is when Mhelno said

"I don't know about you, but I didn't come all the way to Cantha to attend a funeral"

While Chinese version would translate into

"I don't who you are, but I didn't come all the way to Cantha to attend a funeral"

It should have been translate into

"I don't know what will you do, but I didn't come all the way to Cantha to attend a funeral"

(Although in the end... we had to attend Togo's funeral anyway)

jonnybegood · Jun 13, 2006, 01:06 AM // 01:06

This may be a tad off-topic but GJ Gaile, we all like to see initiative and it is wondeful to see it being taken. If I had any problems with "localization" of this game, then I would definitly make a note of it. But seeing how I can't find any I will not note any.

I do remember a rather odd skill description(in english) qich was just totally off-base it was kinda silly, yet the description and skill name elude my mind.

but anyway like I said GJ

Unkillable Cat · Jun 13, 2006, 01:49 AM // 01:49

I would request that the English language be used for the English version of the game, rather than american, which despite what some may think, is NOT English.

EDIT: See my comment below. -Swampgirl

dare49devil · Jun 13, 2006, 01:52 AM // 01:52

But, America SHOULD and is slowly being persuaded to making English to dominate language.

Do a little research, stores around the country are starting to put signs up about treating English-Speaking customers. Etc etc etc.

Let's not bring the...Political aspect of the outside world into a game.

EDIT: See my comment below. -Swampgirl

jonnybegood · Jun 13, 2006, 01:57 AM // 01:57

EDIT: Let's keep this on topic and provide Gaile with feedback, please. If you want to discuss other things, PM the person you wish to talk to. -Swampgirl

Dark Luke · Jun 13, 2006, 03:03 AM // 03:03

I think the first priority when comes to each language options is to ensure all of their skill descriptions are accurate.

Chinese is my first language and I play Guild Wars with language set to Chinese. Most of the skill descriptions are accurate, just a few needs to have their descriptions rewritten. I just checked my PvE Me/A (based on what skills is in her skill inventory) for skill translation errors:

Major examples:
Unnatural Signet - Chinese description: "If target foe is a spirit, Unnatural Signet recharges 80% faster" - which doesn't match against its english description "If target foe is a spirit, Unnatural Signet recharges instantly"
Crippling Dagger - Chinese: "target foe takes x damage and becomes crippled if it hits". English: "Target foe takes x damage if it hits, and cripples moving foes for x seconds". Fails to indicates that only moving foes, not stationary ones, will be crippled when it hits
Accumulated pain: Chinese: "If target foe is suffering more than 2 hexes"; English: "If target foe is suffering 2 or more hexes". Main difference: What if targe foe is suffering from exactly 2 hexes? According to chinese description it would take 3 hexes to trigger...

Minor examples
Shadow Form: Indicates something as "When Shadow Form ends, you only have 41 health remaining". What if your current hp < 41 before it ends?
Channelling: Says "you steal 1 energy from each foe in the area" - this is not mana steal, just mana gain...
Illusion of weakness: Doesn't indicates that you have to actually take damage to trigger the effect.
Illusionary Weapon - description is confusing and should be rewritten. Current translation indicates "your melee damage ignores armor, and damage is 34 instead"
Arcane Conumdrum - Chinese: "target foe's casting time increases by 2 times of normal"!?

And the "quick language toggle" with the right ctrl key is really handy...

Ristaron · Jun 13, 2006, 03:17 AM // 03:17

I would like to see more Canadian spelling.

Seriously, having to consciously substitute the extra consonants and vowels detracts from things.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vermilion Okeanos

(Although in the end... we had to attend Togo's funeral anyway)

Thank you for that lovely spoiler. Please consider in the future that there are people who haven't had the time to get as far in the game as you have who are reading the forums as well. -_-

Therlun · Jun 13, 2006, 09:33 AM // 09:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

Oh, sorry for the confusion. It was only recently that I learned the word "localization." I had thought that anything involved with changing verbiage from one language to another was "translation." But according to my sources, localization is designed to not only literally translate the words, but make them more sensible and more appropriate for the culture involved. Localization specialists are very talented people who work with words on several levels.

tehe...

Thats right! We software localisers like to say that so we get payed better. :P

Seriously now, there IS a big difference between simple translation and real localization.

On the german version:
I would generally rate the text localization as "good" and the synchronization as "satisfactory".

Often (especially with skills) the translation is just too literal.
That gives odd results sometimes.

The german translation also lacks coherence.
An example: Wards are translated as "Abwehr ..." except the new Ward of Stability which got the name "Schutzkreis..."

waarph · Jun 13, 2006, 12:12 PM // 12:12

Hi to all,
The point indicated by "eightyfour-onesevenfive" is also applicable to French. Some title (haven't seen all of them

) do not respect the gender of the hero having said title.
Best regards.

trecca · Jun 13, 2006, 01:25 PM // 13:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by waarph

Hi to all,
The point indicated by "eightyfour-onesevenfive" is also applicable to French. Some title (haven't seen all of them

) do not respect the gender of the hero having said title.
Best regards.

It's present in every localization of the game, like in italian.

Example
In English
Male & Female: Terrifying Hero
In Italian
Male: Eroe Spaventoso
Female: Eroina Spaventosa
(I think that a better localization for the term "Terrifying" is "Terrificante", not "Spaventoso/a")

But at the moment all characters get the female form, for each title.

Anyway I've already reported this "bug" at our local translator through the official italian fansite.

banintz · Jun 14, 2006, 07:38 AM // 07:38

Hi all,

The title gender problem is the same at the spanish version. It doesnt respect the gender of the holder.

Regards,

Snowman · Jun 14, 2006, 10:42 AM // 10:42

" I have Icy Ground on me "

I think the "on me" sounds wrong.

I would suggest..

" I am suffering from x " where x is a negative hex or condition
" I am enhanced by x " where x is an enchantment or spell
" I am effected by x " where x is a skill effect like frenzy or endure pain.

Its very picky I know and only something minor, but it might be the kind of thing your looking for?

eightyfour-onesevenfive · Jun 14, 2006, 03:06 PM // 15:06

Oh yes, you're so right! "I have Bleeding on me!" Lol?

This is the wrong thread, though.

But then, the same issue probably still exists in many localisations (didn't bother to check yet).