Localization partnership

[SonSon]

Hi all, yes I'm the guy who is always asking for translations! :)
People here and on other specific forums already helped me much. But even with some friends/family combined with multiple online/offline dictionaries my localization needs aren't truly satisfied.
As I can't afford professional translators for the moment I'm posting the following offer: build a localization partnership with some of you fellow developers.


My team and I are at present time finishing our first game. Our commercial website is almost ready too. We expect launching everything early 2005.
As a new company (not yet created) we have no proven track record in the game development. I understand that this could hold you back. But have no fear the future is promising! :)

What I need to be translated is specialised game related content:
-In-game menu text (~100 words)
-External game help file (~200-400 words)
-Commercial website (game description, FAQ etc.. ~400-800 words)
-Possible additional few things on request.

What I'm looking for is:
-A native English speaker able to proofread English writings.
OR
-A native English speaker able to translate from French > English.
AND
-A native German speaker able to translate from English/French > German.
-A native Spanish speaker able to translate from English/French > Spanish.
-A native Italian speaker able to translate from English/French > Italian.

What I can offer in exchange of your translation skills: (negociable of course)
-Localization of game/website from English > French.
-A future payment once the game is released and generates at least some money.
-Appearance in the game/website credits + URL if applicable.
-A free copy of the game. (sold between 15-20 USD).

Additional notes:
Translations demanded are computer science/game related.
Spelling and grammatical mistakes must of course be avoided.
Use of short words as much as possible. Respect of the general meaning and most common use in the relevant language.

Details of our upcoming game:
-Offline kids/family party game
-2-4 players
-Super easy gameplay: a single key/player
-3D pre-rendered graphics
-Music by Michael Huang (http://www.gamenoise.com/)


I'm willing to build serious but friendly partnership based on trust and commitment.
Please understand that I would rather not write solid contracts nor accurate agreements unless it's really necessary.
Please apply only if you're seriously commited to do the job.

Feel free to post your comments here.
Contact me for further details or if you think we could work together.


Thanks for reading,

Olivier BEHR (SonSon)
olivierbehr@hotmail.com

[Andy]

German, Spanish, Italian... and French - we were considering this as well. But... What are you going to do when all that guys will start to address the support issues on their native languages Olivier? ;)

Any ideas on common translation center guys? For example we get amount of different requests from our German customers and I can't always get immediate access to our "Austrian representative"... - and automatic translation is awfull. :(

[SonSon]

Andy concerning the customer support I was thinking of providing a Support Request Form with a special drop-down list containing something like "send to English support" and "send to French support".
Yes I was thinking about supporting only English and French requests. Maybe adding later other supported languages.

What's your opinion about the above?

Your translation center idea is very interesting.:)

PS: I can be your *French representative* in you need one.;)

[Andy]

My opinion?..

Well. Hard to say really - our ones like to talk really. Amount... And I hardly believe they'd like to talk on the level of drop down menus. ;)
Yes, I know another guys hate an idea to deliver the psyhological support - but that's how this business works. I don't know what to do with this fact.

"Dear Andy,
I don't think I have ever received such a nice response to an e-mail inquiry about a product I purchased. It was prompt - informative - humorous - personal - and very much appreciated. Thank you! "

This is just one. Think I could say this lady - go and look at our drop down menus? :)

So, the question stays without the answer. And the main my problem that I can't help with that "translation center" idea - I hardly believe too many peoples from here need the translation on Russian... :D But I'd agree to take part and help by any possible way.

PS Thanks for the proposal about "French representative" - I'll contact you through PM shortly - I should to consider what can I deliver in change at first.

[SonSon]

PS Thanks for the proposal about "French representative" - I'll contact you through PM shortly - I should to consider what can I deliver in change at first.

Unless you receive hundreds of french inquiries per week if think I can really help you. French is my native language, it's so easy for me to read and translate in english.
Like you said I don't really need a Russian representative at present time. But maybe one day? Who knows? :)
So in return for the moment you could take a liking to me. :)

Can someone answer this: Is it because I didn't start my business yet, that I still believe in trust & commitment partnership?

Anyone else wants to express its opinion about the subject?

[Andy]

Can someone answer this: Is it because I didn't start my business yet, that I still believe in trust & commitment partnership?

You will get amount of pain with this one Olivier. But that 10% you will collect in final will become your really good partners. Fair business means the only way to real success but through huge amount of efforts... ;)

[aduro]

this is a great idea. add me to the list. i am a native english speaker. i need french and german for my mobile game. there is minimal text needed, maybe a couple dozen words and a few sentences. i would be happy to help out with someone's english translations.

-john
aduro games

[aduro]

-Music by Michael Huang (http://www.gamenoise.com/)

he did the audio for us also. did a 'fantastic' job. :)

[EpicBoy]

With "fanastic" in quotes, I can't tell if you're being serious or not...

[aduro]

With "fanastic" in quotes, I can't tell if you're being serious or not...

sorry, it was a joke. fantastic is in the title of the game. gamenoise was awesome.

[SonSon]

Michael did a really awesome job for us. His musics absolutely enhance the gaming experience.

What!? Hijacking my thread!!! Please I already have enough trouble finding foreign collaborators.. :D:D

[SonSon]

Sorry guys (and gals?) to bump that post up. I still need to find:
-A native Spanish speaker able to translate from English and/or French > Spanish.
-A native Italian speaker able to translate from English and/or French > Italian

The most important thing i'd like to be translated is the external game help file (~200 words). The commercial website can wait.
What I can offer in exchange of your help didn't change since the 1st message. See above.

Since I posted here I found an English proofreader (hi Mark!) and a German translator. They are very helpful.
For the very few people who might be interested: The game is finished! :D

Contact me for further details or if you think we could work together.
Thanks for reading,

Olivier BEHR (SonSon)
olivierbehr@hotmail.com