Mobile gaming is a thriving and lucrative business, growing year by year in every corner of the world.
Today, building a solid localization strategy has become essential for any mobile game developer aiming to create a global community of players.
With that in mind, we’ll share a few trending localization practices you may want to consider for your game.
The Growing Need for Localizing Mobile Games
Statista (2024) says that by 2025, global mobile gaming income will be over $100 billion, with more than 60% of that coming from localized content. Players want experiences that are fully immersive and in their own language. To reach the most customers, developers need to spend money on localization.
Popular Mobile Game Genres Benefiting from Localization
The localization of various categories of games necessitates distinct approaches.
- Role-playing games (RPGs): Story-driven gameplay requires precise translations and cultural nuance to establish an emotional connection with players.
- Casual games are more enjoyable when the user interface, tutorials, and in-app purchases are customized to local customs and currency.
- Strategy games necessitate the accurate translation of the game’s rules and the establishment of equitable reward systems.
- Sports and racing games. Events, language, and cultural references unique to specific regions are frequently incorporated into sports and racing games.
When crafting your mobile game localization strategy, it’s important to evaluate the best approach based on the genre and the message your game aims to deliver.
Important Trends in Mobile Game Localization for 2025
The world of mobile game localization is always changing. The following trends affect how developers deal with worldwide markets:
- Updates to translations in real time: Cloud-based localization solutions let developers make changes to translations in real time across several areas.
- In-game culturalization: Developers change character names, symbols, and situations to fit the cultural standards of the area.
- Improvements to voiceover and dubbing: Games now have localized audio that has emotional resonance, especially for games with a lot of story.
- Data-driven localization: Studios use data to figure out which areas need full-scale localization investments.
The gaming market is rapidly adapting localization with faster updates, smarter automation, culturally relevant content, improved audio quality, and smarter investment based on data.
Global Examples Demonstrate the Power of Mobile Game Localization
Culturally appropriate experiences boost downloads, users, and in-app revenue for developers. Data speaks for itself.
- Tencent’s PUBG Mobile is one example. Outside China, the game had been downloaded 1 billion times by March 2021. Global downloads reached 1.3 billion in December 2022, according to Statista. Translating the game into over 20 languages and adapting it to local tastes helped it expand.
- Similar to miHoYo’s Genshin Impact, it was a hit. The makers made the game available in 13 languages from the start, allowing players worldwide. The game generated over $1 billion in global mobile revenue in six months following its September 2020 release, according to Sensor Tower.
- Subway Surfers remains popular worldwide by introducing new content tailored to each region. Players all around the world are excited by holiday riddles and terminology that vary from one part of the world to another. It has been downloaded more than 2.5 billion times, making it one of the most popular mobile games of all time, according to Statista.
Although they didn’t provide exact numbers, people who study the business claim that planned translation aided Candy Crush Saga and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Candy Crush is the most popular casual game in more than 200 markets. It has different event names and payment options for each area to help in-app sales. Mobile Legends soon took over Southeast Asia with targeted e-sports commentary and culturally relevant ads in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Global interest leads to long-term investment and profit. Beginning creators can employ extensive localization tactics to create fun, engaging games that keep players coming back.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Localizing Mobile Games
Localization can be quite helpful, but there are certain typical blunders that might cause problems. Here are some problems you should stay away from:
- Literal translations: These can often be confusing or insensitive. Always think about the culture.
- Ignoring visuals: To keep things consistent, text that is part of graphics must be localized.
- Problems with formatting: Examples are fonts that don’t work together, languages that display from right to left, and incompatible layouts, which can frustrate users.
- Don’t skip QA: Always check for faults and problems with the user experience in localized versions.
- Not being aware of cultural differences: Some words or images may be considered objectionable in certain places. It is crucial to conduct a cultural review.
Users will have a consistent experience across marketplaces if you avoid these issues.
Why Speed and Accuracy Matter in Mobile Game Localization
Many times, games come out all around the world at the same time. Accurate and timely localization makes sure that everyone in every region has a smooth launch. Localization delays can lead to poor reviews, fewer downloads, and missed sales.
Being accurate also makes others trust you. When translations are incorrect, it can ruin immersion and make games appear unprofessional. From the start of development, successful games make localization a top priority.
The Role of App Store Optimization (ASO) in Localization
Localized app store pages make it easier for people in other countries to find your app. To match how people search in their area, developers translate titles, descriptions, and keywords. This can increase the number of installations by up to 30%.
Pictures are also important. Screenshots, teaser videos, and other promotional materials should show content that is specific to the area. A/B testing multiple localized versions helps you find the formats that get the most people to buy.
Involving Players in the Localization Process
Localizers of mobile games who include players in the process get translations that are more precise and culturally appropriate. People in the community can find language, translation, and geographic mistakes through beta testing, polls, and comments in the game. Player feedback is also important in genres that undergo significant changes, such as role-playing games and narrative-driven mobile apps. Fan translations can help build loyalty and excitement in places where there are no official versions. Community contributions are very important, but professional translators must approve all final content. The game meets the standards of the App Store and Google Play, employs consistent language throughout, and maintains the tone and integrity of the script.
A hybrid strategy that uses community participation and professional control produces localization that consumers find authentic and platform-compliant. This collaborative methodology enhances retention, fosters user trust, and drives global market success.
Long-Term Strategy for Mobile Game Localization
Localization doesn’t stop when the game comes out. Regular translation work is needed for updates, seasonal content, and events. Players want localized updates to get out on time. Keeping a clear localization strategy post-launch is important when aiming to build a loyal community around your game.
Make Your Game Available in Many Languages
In 2025, mobile games don’t simply compete on how fun they are to play; they also compete on how well they connect with gamers from other cultures. Localization fills up the gap. With the right plan and expert assistance, your game can succeed in other markets.
eTranslation Services can help you with every step of the process of localizing your mobile game. Start today to unlock the full potential of your game around the world.
