The world of video game localization is a complex one, often overlooked by players who are simply enjoying the final product. Behind the scenes, teams of internal and external translators work tirelessly to bring beloved Japanese games like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to audiences around the globe. However, the unfortunate reality is that the external translators often go uncredited for their vital role in the localization process.
In a recent expose by an anonymous former Nintendo employee, the harsh terms that external translators are subjected to have come to light. These translators, employed through companies such as Localsoft, not only do not receive any credit in the games they work on, but are also required to sign a 10-year non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This NDA essentially silences them from acknowledging their contributions to these titles, even on their resumes. This leaves them feeling powerless and undervalued, with no way to assert their rights.
The translator’s plight is further exacerbated by the fact that pushing back against these unfair practices could result in being blacklisted from future work. In a competitive industry where opportunities are fleeting, translators are left with little choice but to comply with Nintendo’s demands, no matter how unjust they may seem. Their voices are muted, their concerns dismissed, all in the name of preserving their livelihoods.
The responsibility to address this issue falls not only on the translators themselves, but also on the public. Without public outcry and pressure, Nintendo is unlikely to change its policies regarding translator credits. It is only through collective action and awareness that real change can be achieved. The time has come to shine a light on the uncredited heroes behind our favorite games and demand the recognition they deserve. Only then can we hope to see a fairer and more equitable system for all translators in the gaming industry.
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