AUSIT Webinar | 20250719 Press X to Translate – Adventures in Game Localisation

Imagine being handed a shoebox of loose sentences—some sing, some explode, some vanish when you look away—and being told: ‘Make them work in every language without breaking the build.’ That tiny circus is game localisation. If that puzzle intrigues you, pull up a chair. We will start by sweeping aside the easy assumptions that still creep into project briefs (“just translate what you see”).

Then we’ll unpack the design quirks that turn plain text into branching mazes: dialogue that rewrites itself on player choice, UI labels the size of a thumbnail, placeholders that morph five minutes before deadline. Along the way we’ll tackle the snags—technical, cultural, and linguistic—that force us to redraw our playbook every sprint.

Finally, we’ll size up the new AI co-pilot: a tool that can smooth the ride or slam you straight into a wall, depending on how you hold the reins. We’ll also explore how to break into the field, and what skills can help you thrive in this fast-evolving space. Come curious, leave with a clearer map, fresher tactics, and the confidence to take on your next localisation quest.

Our Presenter – Dr Tristan Yu
Dr Hongchang (Tristan) Yu is a Melbourne-based translator, university tutor, and localisation consultant who specialises in the sweet spot where language meets technology. He has over a decade of experience working between English and Chinese on a wide range of content, from legal documents to story-driven video games. In the classroom, Dr Yu designs hands-on courses in CAT tools and game localisation, guiding emerging translators through real-world briefs and live tech demos.

Beyond teaching, he collaborates with studios and LSPs, runs industry workshops, and is currently developing a CAT platform tailored to the needs of teaching and learning environments.