Localization Quality Assurance (LQA)

Localization QA — also commonly referred to as Linguistic Quality Assurance — ensures that translated game content works as intended in real gameplay contexts.
At GATE, we review localized text directly in-game or through provided materials to identify linguistic, contextual, and presentation issues before release.

Ensuring Localization Quality in Real Game Contexts

LQA focuses on how translated text actually works inside the game environment. Even well-written translations can reveal issues once they are implemented — such as missing context, broken immersion, formatting problems, or inconsistencies that only appear during gameplay.

Our process reviews localized content in its intended context to identify linguistic, technical, and presentation-related issues that may affect the player experience. This step helps catch problems that are difficult or impossible to detect during translation or proofreading alone.

Rather than rewriting content, it highlights potential issues so they can be addressed efficiently by the development team.

Never Skip LQA

We understand that budget is an important consideration, especially for indie developers who often have to keep a close eye on every expense. But in our opinion, LQA should never be skipped.
Based on our experience, even the best translations still result in an average error rate of around 20% during LQA. This is because many issues can only be identified when the localized text is reviewed in its actual in-game context. It is an essential part of game localization and one of the last opportunities to catch and fix issues before release.

If your budget is tight, we would rather recommend reducing or skipping Proofreading & Editing than cutting LQA. During LQA, the entire localized game can be reviewed in its actual context, allowing us to catch not only linguistic issues but also errors that simply cannot be spotted in a text-only review. This gives you one final chance to fix problems before your players encounter them.

Below is an example from Neverness to Everness (NTE), which some of our team members played privately. GATE was not involved in its localization.
While the Japanese text fits correctly, the German text overlaps in the UI — exactly the kind of issue LQA is designed to catch.

Ver. 1.0.6.73069 Asset 1.0.20.437841

Our LQA Services

In-Game Text Review

Localized text is reviewed directly within the game to check whether it makes sense in context, matches the intended meaning, and feels natural for players. This includes UI text, menus, dialogue, tutorials, and system messages as they appear during gameplay.

Grammar, Spelling & Consistency Checks

While LQA is not a replacement for proofreading, it can uncover grammar, spelling, or wording issues that become noticeable once text is implemented — for example, due to line breaks, truncation, or context-dependent phrasing.

UI & Formatting Issue Identification

We identify potential UI-related issues such as text overflows, truncated lines, broken formatting, or unreadable layouts caused by text length differences between languages. These issues are documented and flagged for developer review.

Subtitle & Voice Line Matching

When voiced dialogue is present, subtitles are checked against spoken lines to ensure they align in meaning, tone, and timing. This helps prevent discrepancies that could confuse players or break immersion.

Screenshot & Gameplay-Based LQA

If a playable build is not available, checks can also be performed using provided screenshots or gameplay videos. This allows for contextual checks even in earlier development stages or when access to the game build is limited.

Currently available languages are Japanese, English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian.
More languages like Korean, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified) may be available on request.

LQA vs. Translation & Proofreading

Translation and proofreading focus on linguistic accuracy, ensuring text is correct, consistent, and well written.
Localization QA goes beyond text review by evaluating how translations work inside the game.

LQA checks dialogue, UI text, subtitles, and system messages in their actual gameplay context to identify issues such as missing context, unnatural phrasing, UI overflows, or mismatches between voice-over and subtitles.
It ensures the localized content functions naturally as part of the player experience.

Because We’re Gamers Too

Because we are gamers ourselves, we care deeply about the overall player experience.
While conducting LQA, we may come across non-language-related bugs or gameplay issues. If that happens, we report them free of charge.
This additional feedback is not meant to replace full QA testing, but it reflects our passion for delivering polished, enjoyable games.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is game localization quality assurance (LQA)?

Game LQA is the process of reviewing localized content in real gameplay contexts to identify language, UI, subtitle, and presentation issues that may affect player experience.

Does LQA guarantee error-free localization?

No. LQA helps identify issues, but final implementation and fixes depend on the development workflow.

Our role is to provide clear, actionable feedback based on real in-game observations.

Can LQA be done without a playable build?

Yes. When a playable build is not available, LQA can be performed using screenshots or gameplay videos provided by the developer.

Is LQA available as a standalone service?

Yes. LQA can be booked independently or combined with translation and proofreading services for a more integrated localization workflow.