Sim-ship multiple languages 

A simultaneous worldwide release is difficult to achieve and normally requires holding off the release of the English version while waiting for the localized versions to catch up. Traditionally the translation process starts towards the end of the project, towards the end of the Alpha stage. By using LocDirect it is possible to start the translation process much earlier - as soon as the first strings have been defined, this makes it possible to have the game fully localized during the actual development phase.

 

Shorten the time-to-market period 

Using Localize Direct and performing localization in parallel with development will streamline workload, avoid seasonal busy periods and shorten the total time-to-market period. Why wait until the end? Distribute localization work throughout the development cycle. By localizing your in-game assets in parallel with development the localized versions can enter QA at the same time as the source language version. Cutting out the need to wait for translations will allow you to release your game earlier. 

 

By using LocDirect you have an efficient collaboration tool for all the stakeholders in the localization process. With LocDirect you can manage the complete localization pipeline and build up a best practice process. It is easy to scale the solution to multiple projects, multiple teams and even multiple LocDirect servers. LocDirect is fully unicode(UTF-8) compliant and by using the system you automatically separate the strings from the code. With the help of LocDirect your developer will create world ready code instantly available for translation containing all necessary information for high quality and efficient localization.   

 

With LocDirect you can easily set up your project to cater for multiple platforms. A generic string folder can be used by all platforms while individual string folders are created for platform specific strings. As LocDirect is online and everyone is working on the same data it is also possible to have multiple teams from multiple locations working in the same project sharing strings. You may have a developer in one country developing the high end platforms and another developer in a second country making the handheld versions. With LocDirect they can work in the same project and share strings which will increase consistency and cut costs.

 

Do not pay for translation of the same string over and over 

The system can cross reference new strings and search other projects for translation matches and automatically suggest these. It is easy to copy or move strings between projects so setting up a new project and pre-loading it with strings is done in minutes. 

 

All data in LocDirect is immediately available to all clients. There is no need to send xls or doc files back and forth. Translators can communicate directly with the developer using comments. Localization QA have immediate access to the strings and can easily and quickly search and fix faulty strings in the system. These changes can then be automatically included in the next build of the game. It is also possible to set up the game so that it automatically updates strings during runtime creating a full WYSIWYG experience. 

 

LocDirect can be introduced into your localization process fully, partially or bit by bit. A full integration means that all stakeholders in the localization process use LocDirect clients, this would include the developer, publisher, translators, proofreaders and localization QA. It is also possible to export strings in need of translations and import the translations back into the system, this way translators are not forced to use the client. If you provide your loc QA team with clients they can find any problematic strings using LocDirect's search and filter features, fix the string within the client and it will automatically be included in the next build.

 

LocDirect keeps a full history of all data in the system. Find out at any time exactly how much has been translated. LocDirect gives you the information to be proactive rather than reactive - is the Spanish translator falling behind the other target languages? Bring in another translator to catch up. Keep track of quality; find out how many mistakes are being made and what type they are. LocDirect provides a feedback system for translators so that they can improve their work.