The gaming industry, especially when it comes to localization, relies heavily on the work of both internal and external translators. However, a recent revelation has shed light on the fact that external translators are often left out of the credits, despite their significant contributions to popular games like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
One former Nintendo employee, who currently works as a translator for Nintendo through an external company called Localsoft, has shared the challenges faced by external translators. These translators not only go uncredited in the games themselves but are also required to sign a 10-year NDA, effectively silencing them from mentioning their work on these titles on their resumes or to potential clients. This lack of recognition not only undermines their hard work but also limits their future opportunities in the industry.
The anonymity enforced by Nintendo’s policies places external translators in a difficult position. Without any acknowledgment for their efforts, they are unable to leverage their experience on high-profile projects to secure future work. The fear of blacklisting and losing out on potential opportunities further reinforces the power dynamics that prevent translators from speaking out against these unjust practices.
While the majority of external translators remain silent, the only way to address this issue is through public pressure. By raising awareness and highlighting the importance of recognizing all contributors, including external translators, the gaming community can push companies like Nintendo to rethink their policies. Without this collective effort, the status quo of sidelining external translators will continue, perpetuating an unfair system within the industry.
The exclusion of external translators from receiving proper credit for their work in the gaming industry is a pressing issue that demands attention. By acknowledging and valuing the contributions of all translators, regardless of their employment status, companies like Nintendo can foster a more inclusive and respectful environment within the industry. It is time for a change that recognizes the integral role external translators play in bringing beloved games to a global audience.
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