When Black Myth: Wukong arrived in August 2024, it wasn't just another AAA title; it became a cultural phenomenon. Players worldwide praised its punishing combat, breathtaking world-building and stunning visuals. By year's end, it was crowned 2024's Game of the Year on Steam, the world's largest PC platform.
But behind that global success lies an often-overlooked hero: localization. From translating dialogue into multiple languages to adapting mythic references for different cultures, smart localization can make or break a game's appeal.
Here's how the developers at Game Science Studios brought the legend of the Monkey King to every corner of the globe:
- Multilingual voiceovers: Native actors recorded lines in English, Spanish, Japanese and more, keeping the spirit of the characters intact while making them feel local.
- Cultural adaptation: Folklore notes and glossary entries explain Chinese mythic creatures, ensuring players from Rio to Rome can follow the story.
- UI and UX tweaks: Menu layouts, font choices and even control hints were tailored to regional preferences – so European players see familiar button icons, while Asian gamers get localized key mappings.
Localization isn't just translation; it's cultural storytelling. It's what turns a thrilling boss fight set in the heavens of Chinese lore into a shared global adventure.
Viewers can preview the upcoming episode of CGTN's Beyond ACG – When Chinese myths meet global gaming – in the newly released trailer. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at how myth, tech and global communities converge to shape the next era of interactive storytelling.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
