What does Localization mean?
Localization refers to the process of adapting media content, such as films, TV shows, or video games, to suit the cultural and linguistic preferences of a specific region or country. Localization goes beyond translation, often including changes to dialogue, visuals, and references to make the content more relatable to the target audience. It is common in international media distribution, where content is tailored to fit the language, cultural norms, and legal requirements of different regions.
Example:A Hollywood film is localized for Japanese audiences, with translated dialogue, subtitles, and culturally appropriate changes to certain jokes and references.
Example: A video game company localizes a popular game for the European market by translating the text, adjusting gameplay elements, and changing certain character designs to fit regional preferences.
Did You Know?
Localization includes not just language translation but also adjustments to visual cues, music, and even color schemes to fit the target market’s preferences!
You can also find “Localization” and related terms in this category: Editing and Post-Production.
