User Interface

One of the hardest parts of localizing a game is localizing the UI, which is the very heart of what makes a game click. After all, if the UI is unclear, players will struggle to play the game or interact with it in meaningful ways. 

Oftentimes, linguists receive tasks when the design is finished and must then work to force text to fit into designs meant for the Chinese language, which can end up looking unnatural and messy. The crux of the matter is that UI does not directly translate, nor do linguistic norms. The way we interact with interfaces is cultural, and to make content that really connects with players on a deeper level, it's essential to adjust designs with this in mind.

This section explores different aspects of UI, including how users in other regions interact with it, how layout and languages intersect, and practical tips on how to avoid certain issues and introduce localization into the design itself.