Translator Agency and Multimodal Translation in Game Localization: A Case Study of The Witcher 3

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China

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Abstract

Game localization has become one of the key issues in translation studies, but the translation challenges posed by the multimodality and interactivity of games have not yet been fully explored. This paper takes the English-to-Chinese localization of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as a case study, combining functional equivalence theory, Skopos theory, and multimodal translation theory to explore how game translation can transcend the traditional scope of language conversion and instead emphasise the translator’s agency and creativity in cultural adaptation and narrative reconstruction. The study finds that translators must not only address linguistic challenges such as dialects, humour, slang, and cultural specificity but also coordinate non-verbal elements such as text to ensure that the translated version aligns with the original in terms of function, emotion, and aesthetic experience. This paper highlights the growing importance of translator agency in game localization. Translators are no longer passive language mediators but co-creators who collaborate with developers to build immersive experiences for players. This study emphasizes the importance of redefining the role of game translators and their training methods, and calls for the game industry to incorporate translators’ creative participation earlier and more deeply into the localization process.