Software localization

Software localization is a process of translating software user interfaces from one language to another. This process is labour-intensive and often requires significant efforts from development teams. There are tools that can simplify the localization process. A lot of these projects get outsourced to specialized companies to cut costs.

Software localization can also refer to adapting software from one culture to another. The Nintendo GameCube game Animal Crossing changed various holidays during its localization. Many references to Japanese history or culture are also replaced with similar North American or Western references which ideally does not change the meaning of the statements.

See also: Internationalization and localization