Top Global Markets for Online Games (and How to Speak to the Gamers)

Lecturer: David Lakritz, Language Automation, Inc.

With the increasing popularity of MMOGs and other online games, the need to serve an increasingly global audience and make content and assets available in multiple languages is well understood to be a critical factor in the deployment of such games. However, translating content alone is not sufficient to guarantee a game's success. To be truly successful, game developers must be knowledgeable about the demographics of each target market, they must be aware of the cultural issues important to players in those markets, and they must understand any content restrictions as well.

This talk will provide an overview of the major and emerging markets for online gaming around the world today. The demographics and characteristics of the typical user in each of those markets will be described, societal and technological trends affecting the penetration of online gaming in each region will be briefly mentioned, and most importantly, language, cultural issues and content restrictions pertinent to game players in those markets will be discussed. Finally, some ideas on the issues involved in developing and deploying games across multiple cultures and languages will be introduced.

Attendees will leave with specific data on the top global markets for online gaming, as well as a greater awareness and sensitivity to language and cultural issues that will be helpful in their own game development.

Intended Audience: Developers and marketers of online games who are targeting a global audience

Prerequisites: None

Format: Lecture

Track: Globalization

Date/Time: Tuesday, 10:30 AM

Room: Salon B

Lakritz - Top Global Markets for Online Games.ppt