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How much do game translator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for game translator in the United States is $25.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game translator?

A Game Translator is responsible for converting video game text, dialogue, and in-game content from one language to another while maintaining accuracy, cultural relevance, and the original intent. This includes translating menus, subtitles, user interfaces, and marketing materials. They often collaborate with localization teams to adapt the game for different regions, ensuring a seamless experience for players worldwide. Strong language skills, cultural knowledge, and familiarity with gaming terminology are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game translator?

To thrive as a Game Translator, you need fluency in at least two languages, a strong grasp of gaming terminology, and proven experience in translation or localization. Familiarity with CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools, localization platforms, and knowledge of game engines or script formats is often required. Attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, effective communication, and time management are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure translations are both accurate and immersive, enhancing gameplay experiences for diverse audiences.

What are the most common challenges faced by game translators?

Game Translators often encounter challenges such as maintaining the original tone and intent of game dialogue, adapting cultural references for different regions, and keeping up with tight production deadlines. Balancing accuracy with creativity is essential, as literal translations can miss the nuance or humor embedded in the source material. Additionally, translators may need to collaborate closely with developers, writers, and QA testers to resolve ambiguities and ensure text fits within character limits. Successfully managing these challenges results in a seamless, engaging experience for players worldwide.

How much do game translators make?

Game translators typically earn between $20,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, language pairs, and whether they work freelance or for a company. Skilled translators with specialized knowledge or certifications can command higher rates, especially for complex or niche games.

How to be a game translator?

To become a game translator, you should be fluent in both the source and target languages and have a strong understanding of gaming terminology and culture. Typically, this role requires excellent language skills, experience with translation tools like CAT software, and familiarity with game development processes. Building a portfolio through freelance projects or internships can also help establish credibility in the industry.
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Game Translator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Translator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,349 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Associate Localization Specialist - Japanese

Nintendo

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Nintendo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

Nintendo of America
About Nintendo of America: From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System™ more than 30 years ago, Nintendo's mission has been to create smiles through unique entertainment experiences. Here at Nintendo of America Inc., we deliver on this mission by partnering closely with Nintendo Co., Ltd., to bring Nintendo's iconic and cherished franchises including Mario™, Donkey Kong™, The Legend of Zelda™, Metroid™, Animal Crossing™, Pikmin™ and Splatoon™ across the Americas through our video games, hardware systems, and collaborations with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like feature films and theme parks.
We are an equal opportunity employer offering a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, and the diverse consumers and communities we call home. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at https://www.nintendo.com/.
SUMMARY:
Translates English-language game text and voiced dialogue scripts based on Japanese source text and other materials, as well as hands-on gameplay, that capture the magic of Nintendo franchises in products and services for release in the Americas. Partners with domestic and global teams to localize Nintendo software gaming products for release in the Americas. Serves as a liaison for development partners, providing interpretation during meetings and video conferences to support game development and localization discussions.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
  • Translates and reviews game text, voice scripts, marketing materials, and supplementary development and testing-related documents and materials as required to support Nintendo products and services through launch and beyond.
  • Gains a deep understanding of assigned projects through hands-on game play, study of game specifications, and collaboration with other team members.
  • Leverages expert knowledge of project to clearly communicate developer intent and enhance the user experience through clear and well-translated text.
  • Provides cultural and creative input regarding localizing Nintendo products for the Americas.
  • Informs management in a timely manner regarding development schedule challenges, changes, and delays.
  • Participates in table reads and other group feedback sessions.
  • Works with experienced staff and mentors to hone localization skills to follow Nintendo style for a variety of franchises.
  • May communicate with first- and second-party developers regarding Nintendo product localization.
  • Builds and enhances relationships with Nintendo Company Limited (NCL) creative and development partners.
  • May contribute to the naming process for game terms.
  • May assist with the planning and preparation for voice recording sessions.
  • Innovates and finds efficiencies in the localization process.
  • Collaborates closely with internal and external partners, especially testing resources, to ensure high quality of localization.
  • May test and evaluate games and products and provide feedback regarding design and content for NOA (Nintendo of America) territories.
  • May act as a product subject matter expert to assist other NOA (Nintendo of America) departments with game-related support, including demonstrating games internally and capturing video and screenshots.
  • May collaborate with localization staff at NOE (Nintendo of Europe) to achieve alignment when necessary by creating process efficiencies and leveraging resources.
  • May review machine translation, text from outsourcing and global partners for accuracy and consistency.
  • May review products for Legal and ESRB compliance and make recommendations for changes based on target audience/business need.
  • May participate in content discussions and game evaluations and make recommendations on what games are brought to market.
  • May provide guidance to improve overall game play, presentation, and user experience for product release in the Americas.
  • Maintains awareness of culturalization topics, may identify issues and propose solutions as needed.
  • May act as liaison for NCL and development partners, including translating communication on behalf of NOA.
  • May perform translation and interpreting for other departments and subsidiaries as required.
  • Interprets meetings, telephone calls, and video conferences related to game development and localization and works to improve and maintain these skills.
  • May participate in the hiring process by participating in interviews.
  • May provide feedback on machine translation and other tools.
  • May interpret media interviews with developers.
  • Communicates product strengths, features, and differentiation points to upper management, Marketing, and other internal stakeholders.
  • Reviews and evaluates product concepts and designs for acquisition, participates in planning marketing strategies, provides input into the development of marketing materials, and/or coordinates resources.
  • Generates game-related content for websites, social media, and other consumer-facing portals.
  • May demonstrate games to media, participate in interviews, present on live streams, and support other promotional efforts.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS
  • One to three years of localization experience.
  • Knowledge and understanding of localization issues and market preferences recommended.
  • Ability to make recommendations regarding cultural/localization issues affecting software products.
  • Ability to grasp and preserve the creative vision of products during the localization process.
  • Knowledge of the game-development process helpful.
  • Experience producing high-quality results under tight deadlines.
  • Experience working with global teams helpful.
  • Familiarity with Nintendo franchises, products, and history.
  • Familiarity with historical and current video game industry for console, PC, and mobile markets preferred.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite and ability to quickly become proficient with complex proprietary software.
  • Familiarity with Slack, Jira, and Confluence.
  • Familiarity with how tags work in programming languages preferred.
  • Ability to work in a highly confidential environment.
  • Strong translation skills required.
  • Strong interpreting skills, including experience interpreting business meetings and/or conference calls.
  • Awareness and understanding of Japanese and US localization issues and market preferences recommended.
  • Familiarity with Japanese history, culture, customs and business protocol.
  • Familiarity with localization/CAT tools like translation memory, machine translation, and parsing tools, as well as content management systems preferred.
  • Requires basic knowledge of theories, principles and concepts within a job family; has exposure to current practices and procedures through coursework or internship.
  • Requires basic knowledge of theories, practices and procedures within a job family.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Undergraduate degree in Japanese, East Asian Studies, Linguistics, Translation, a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Valid passport may be required.
  • JLPT N1 Certification on Japanese Certification exam or equivalent in English if native Japanese speaker.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be considered. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
This position is hybrid in Redmond, WA. Hybrid positions require regular onsite work following the schedule and guidelines for their division. This position is not open to fully remote status at this time.
This position includes the base pay range listed below, potential for a semi-annual discretionary performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.
Pay Range:
$39.42-$63.08 USD

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