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Video Game Localization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$100K - $125K/yr

... video games for doctors. Our games leverage deep game design and real game tech to advance the ... live services, VFX, localization, motion graphics, print, or music producer. Duties ...

Game Producer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$70K - $80K/yr

Proven track record delivering quality products on time; familiar with Agile, localization, and ... Let's build games played by millions together! #LI-CK1 IGT is committed to sustaining a workforce ...

Game Producer I

Reno, NV · Hybrid

$90K - $110K/yr

Proven track record delivering quality products on time; familiar with Agile, localization, and ... Let's build games played by millions together! Keys to Success Building collaborative relationships ...

$125 - $150/hr

About Side Side(formerly PTW) is a global video game development and services provider, offering ... assurance, localization, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets.

$125 - $150/hr

Strong understanding of video game development and production workflows, with familiarity across disciplines such as game development, art, audio, QA, localization, LQA, and Player Support. * Ability ...

New

Game Producer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$70K - $80K/yr

Proven track record delivering quality products on time; familiar with Agile, localization, and ... Let's build games played by millions together! #LI-CK1 IGT is committed to sustaining a workforce ...

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Video Game Localization information

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How much do video game localization jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game localization in the United States is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is video game localization?

Video game localization is the process of adapting a video game for different regions and languages, ensuring that the content is culturally appropriate and understandable for players around the world. This goes beyond simple translation; it often involves modifying graphics, dialogue, user interface elements, and even in-game references to fit the cultural expectations and legal requirements of the target market. The goal is to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for players, regardless of their language or location.

What is video game localization?

Video game localization is a necessary part of the sale and creation of video games when a company wants to sell in foreign markets—different countries and cultures have different laws and regulations on portrayals of things like violence, symbols, and historical figures. As a member of a localization team, your duties are to assist in the translation of a work not just from one language to another, but also ensure it is appropriate to the audience, culture, and legal framework of the country in which the game will be sold. Video game localization requires sociologists, anthropologists, historians, artists, and technical support workers with specialized knowledge to collaborate together in preparation for international release. These specialists’ responsibilities include reviewing or developing instruction manuals, ensuring programmers or developers modify gameplay to meet local or regional standards or laws, and ensure all artwork is specific and relevant to audiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in video game localization, and why are they important?

To thrive in Video Game Localization, you need fluency in at least two languages (including native-level proficiency in the target language), strong cultural awareness, and a background in translation or linguistics. Familiarity with CAT tools, localization platforms, and game development environments is typically required, and certifications such as ATA or ITI can be advantageous. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills that help ensure culturally relevant and engaging translations. These skills and qualifications are important to accurately adapt games for global audiences, preserving the original intent and enhancing player experience.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in video game localization, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in video game localization often encounter challenges such as adapting culturally specific content, maintaining consistency with character voices, and meeting tight deadlines for simultaneous global releases. Collaborating closely with game developers, translators, and QA testers helps ensure that the localized version preserves the game's original intent and playability. Utilizing specialized localization tools and glossaries can streamline the process, while regular communication within multidisciplinary teams helps quickly resolve ambiguity and cultural nuances.

What is the difference between Video Game Localization vs Video Game Translator?

AspectVideo Game LocalizationVideo Game Translator
CredentialsLanguage skills, cultural knowledge, localization toolsLanguage proficiency, translation certifications
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, localization projects, game development studiosIndividual translation tasks, freelance or in-house roles
Industry UsageUsed in game development, publishing, localization companiesUsed in translation agencies, freelance work, localization teams

Video Game Localization involves adapting a game for different markets, including cultural, technical, and linguistic adjustments, often requiring project management skills. Video Game Translators focus on translating game text accurately. While both roles require language expertise, localization encompasses broader tasks like cultural adaptation and coordination, making it a more comprehensive role in the game industry.

How much do video game localizers make?

Video game localizers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, language skills, and the complexity of projects. Freelance localizers may charge per word or project, with rates ranging from a few cents to over a dollar per word. Salaries can increase with specialization in certain languages or technical knowledge of localization tools.

What cities are hiring for Video Game Localization jobs?

Cities with the most Video Game Localization job openings:

What states have the most Video Game Localization jobs?

States with the most job openings for Video Game Localization jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Video Game Localization jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Video Game Localization jobs are:

Infographic showing various Video Game Localization job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,600 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Technical Localization Specialist (NTD)

Nintendo of America Inc

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 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 Technology Development The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch™ system and the Nintendo 3DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.7 billion video games and more than 740 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS™ family of systems, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo GameCube™, Wii™ and Wii U™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo Technology Development, based in Redmond, Washington, creates future hardware/software technology and researches North American-based technologies. Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other. SUMMARY: Perform localization and related tasks of moderate scope and complexity to overcome the linguistic barriers between globally dispersed engineering teams working on platform development. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES Serve as a conduit for communication between Nintendo Co., Ltd. (NCL) and engineering teams within Nintendo Technology Development (NTD). Translate documentation between Japanese and English pertaining to general and technical subjects, with consideration for cultural differences. Provide interpretation in meetings between NTD and NCL. Drive initiatives related to translation quality and process improvements. Identify issues in localization processes and propose solutions. Contribute to localization program road maps, project plans, and overall program health. Train and mentor others in translation and proofing procedures. Coordinate workload and interpreting schedules with the localization staff, negotiating deliverables and deadlines as necessary. Coordinate with members of NCL, its subsidiaries, and external partners. May require frequent travel to Japan as well as evening work in the Pacific Time Zone. Up to 10% travel; domestic and international. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Two to six years of translation experience. General knowledge of translation management systems, such as memoQ or similar. Familiarity with at least one popular programming language, such as Python, JavaScript, C#, or similar. Familiarity with the use of regular expressions in the context of localization. Familiarity with translation-related technologies, such as machine translation and generative AI, and the industry trends related to them. Familiarity with version-control systems, such as Git. Solid understanding of tagged file formats, such as XML and HTML. Ability to communicate complex and technical information fluently in Japanese and English. Excellent verbal and written translation skills, with acute attention to detail. Understanding of technical subject matter on a broad range of computing technologies. Excellent organizational skills. Must fluently read, write, and speak Japanese and English, including jargon, slang, and idioms. Native speaker of Japanese preferred. Understanding of cultural and linguistic issues and ability to make recommendations regarding content. Familiarity with engineering and software development practices (e.g., the software development life cycle and related areas of knowledge), particularly as they relate to video game and platform development. Familiarity with project management practices (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Kanban, sprint retrospectives). Experience as a liaison between international offices is a plus. Secondary skills in any of the following areas are highly desirable: technical writing, visual design, project management. Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Communications, English, Japanese, or a suitably related field. Full professional proficiency (ILR Level 4 or higher) in both Japanese and English: For native speakers of English, Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1 certification or equivalent capability is preferred. For native speakers of Japanese, Eiken Pre-1 certification or equivalent is preferred. For native speakers of other languages, equivalent language skill assessments (such as a TOEFL iBT score of 80) are preferred. 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 onsite in Redmond, WA, and not open to 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: $82,000-$131,200 USD
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