– Tips from the experts –
Getting on the web has become easier and easier around the world. In fact, 4.66 billion people now have access to the internet.
This presents an incredible opportunity for e-learning companies and the gaming industry.
2 Business opportunities: E-learning localization
E-learning
Online learning has become increasingly popular as internet accessibility has grown. It not only makes learning more interesting for individuals, it is more affordable. Notably, families around the globe have started budgeting for e-learning in funds they typically save for their children’s education.
E-learning is just as valuable as traditional in-school education and tutoring, hence choosing an extra online class makes sense for families wishing to save time and money.
For example, the latest report from UBS Securities reports the Chinese e-learning market will see significant growth from the 29 billlion yuan it saw in 2017. The acceptance of online education for after-school tutoring has grown in China as it is very popular in neighboring Asian countries.
The growth of the market is expected to exceed $104billion by 2025.
The question is, how does one become successful in e-learning industry? One thing is for sure, e-learning localization is everything!
Video Game Localization
Let us take China as an example again, as Chinese economics is the second one in the world. Earlier this year the gaming industry in China experienced a minor set-back amid concerns of gaming addiction, childhood myopia, and inappropriate content. New titles weren’t being approved after a freeze and new restrictions were placed on the industry.
However, the total revenue in China’s domestic gaming sector continued to rise. Although there were setbacks, the domestic gaming sector rose 5% year-on-year in the first half of 2018, the slowest growth rate in the last decade.
Overall, the long-term growth of the gaming industry in China outweighs the short-term regulatory restrictions. China is set to become the largest gaming market in the world.
The experts believe the gaming revenues will grow from $60billion USD to nearly $200billion USD by 2030.
And if you’re wondering if the gaming industry is something to be invested in, the answer is yes. UBS believes it is a worth-while investment as "it’s one of six key global disruptive technology trends."
With these promising numbers and guidance from the experts, we agree, the gaming industry is something to focus on. However, getting the localization of your products done right can make or break your investment.
The linguistic content of your video game will be further enhanced by calling upon the services of specialists who are experienced in translating all kinds of video games.
Translation can determine your success – tips to follow.
– Tip 1 -: Localizing your e-learning and gaming content gives you the opportunity to reach a broader audience.
The cost of a translator is something to consider as you look for ways to capitalize on. Rather than just reaching audiences who know one language, localized content makes it easy to engage and attract speakers from different areas.
– Tip 2 -: Localizing your content positions you as a global company.
Building your credibility and reputation in your target country is key. When you take the time to enhance experiences by localizing content, you not only build your brand image, you are making your e-learning programs and games more fun and more interesting to your audiences.
– Tip 3 -: Research the culture and the people who will be taking your courses and purchasing your games.
Take it from the businesses who learned the hard way. Not everything translates appropriately and paying attention to small cultural details, like colors, imagery, graphics, slang, etc., is extremely important. This is even more true in China, where offences can land you in position to be banded from the internet.
– Tip 4 -: Provide content and scenarios that are relevant to the local audience.
The things people eat and do in their daily lives are different all over the world. Localizing your e-learning content and games with examples from the lives of your target country people make a big difference. For example, if you are using a scenario at a restaurant, choose foods and utensils that the audience will be familiar with. You should even go as far as localizing the currency in these scenarios!
– Tip 5 -: Always be culturally appropriate.
This means taking the time to think about historical events and current topics. Maintaining cultural appropriateness needs an expert’s validation.
– Tip 6 -: Test your content and games on someone who understands your audience!
This is one of the simplest ways to ensure you won’t encounter any embarrassing mistakes that could make headlines.
Localization is a key to success!
Don’t your opportunities slip away by underestimating the value of localization. With a team of experts, you will find relief knowing that every word and phrase is reviewed and aligned with your audiences’ culture!