The history and challenges of the Spanish translation of Pokémon games
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Art by Kiwi.
Introduction
Translating and localizing Pokémon games is a key component of the expansion and success of this globally acclaimed series. Since their birth in the 1990s, Pokémon games have captivated millions of people around the world. The translation of games into Spanish has been an important process in the expansion and popularization of this franchise in Spanish-speaking countries, and the translation of that content is fundamental for non-English speakers to understand and enjoy these games. However, compared to other languages, this was not an easy process. Keep reading to learn more about the history of the Spanish translation of the Pokémon games!
Background
The nature of the game and the need to adapt the game for a Spanish-speaking audience presented a special challenge for the translation process, which was not a priority for the Pokémon company at the time. The original plan was to translate the game only into English, French, and German. However, the inclusion of Spanish and Italian was later reconsidered, even though it was not originally planned. This resulted in less time to prepare the translations and worse working conditions. For example, the three previous languages gave each Pokémon a new name, but Italian and Spanish did not. Why did that happen? Well, they didn't get as much support as other languages because Nintendo was not sure that investing in these languages was a good decision.
The translation department of Nintendo of Europe, which is located in Germany, asked the French and German translators to translate a previous translation. First, the game was translated from Japanese to English, and then the English version was used as the basis for French and German translation. During that process, they decided to rename the Pokémon into their respective language, as that would make more sense than the English or Japanese names.
However, when Italian and Spanish's turns came, they found that their conditions were completely different and very disorganized. Many lists of phrases and words were given to them, without any context, which was difficult by itself, but they also battled against time, which restrained them from translating the Pokémon names.
More than 20 years later, there are no Pokémon names translated into Spanish or Italian (with some exceptions, like Paradox Pokémon). This was all due to problems with the early translations. Later on, Spanish and Italian were officially recognized and were given the same conditions as the other languages, but it was too late to start creating new names for Pokémon, as the community already knew them by their English names.
Some problems translators face
During the translation process, many things have to be taken into account, as not all languages work the same.
Polysemy
One of the main problems translators face is the complexity of ambiguity. Polysemy is a linguistic phenomenon that means that a single word or phrase has multiple meanings or interpretations; in translation, this can easily be solved with enough context, but for Spanish, this was not the case. After being informed that the important translation work was about to take place, experienced translators were surprised and disappointed that the text was presented without context and additional references, which proved to be a serious obstacle to translation in top expository quality.
For example, the word "match" can mean:
- An exciting competition or match between two individuals or teams
- The ability to combine or connect similar or complementary elements
- The act of lighting a fire or kindling a flame
- Convenient sticks or devices specially designed for making fire or flames
A notable and well-known example in the context of Spanish translation of Red and Blue is the approach taken in translating the attack "Slam," which was translated as “Portazo,” literally meaning "Door slam." Imagine a dazzling image of a powerful Onix suddenly slamming the door in front of you.
Localization
Another major challenge when translating is the need to consider localization and the different dialects of the language. Each geographic region and group of speakers has its own linguistic characteristics, with differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and other linguistic aspects. In this case, the games were translated into standard Spanish from Spain, which is different from the varieties found in Latin America, for example.
Translating the untranslatable
Similarly, we find more challenges in translating puns and idioms. By their very nature, puns and idioms are difficult to translate accurately without losing their essence and meaning. As an example, consider this witty and humorous sentence: I accidentally swallowed some food coloring. The doctor says I'm OK, but I feel like I've dyed a little inside.
Here, "dyed" is a homophone of the word "died," which changes the whole meaning of the sentence. How can this be translated while still having the same joke since, in other languages,"dyed" and "died" are different words with different pronunciations. Indeed, some concepts and puns are based on specific words, sounds, and phrases that have multiple or equivalent meanings and therefore only exist in the language in which they were created.
Experience from an official translator: Miguel Genicio
When we talk about video game translation, it is interesting to understand how the process has evolved over the years. For this, I interviewed Miguel Genicio, an experienced video game translator that has years of experience translating games into Spanish, and he shared his perspective and personal experience on the challenges he faced during his time in the industry, particularly in translating the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire games.
In the early days of video game translation, Miguel recalls that the process was quite rudimentary. There were no advanced tools, such as translation memories, and much of the work was done manually. Each developer exported the text files in the way that was most convenient for them, which generated a lack of uniformity in the structure and organization of the texts. He says that he could find anything from a single Excel file containing all the text to 30 or 40 separate text files with random content. This lack of order and context posed an additional challenge for translators.
In addition to the lack of specialized tools, Miguel mentions that, at the time, the translation part of the game development process was not given due importance. Each translation project was an adventure in itself, and translators faced unique challenges in each one. The lack of consideration and planning for translation meant a greater degree of uncertainty and adaptability on the part of the translators.
One of the interesting aspects that Miguel highlights is the challenge of maintaining context and consistency in translation. Although the texts were not initially contextualized in the files, the translators had development versions of the game or small demos that allowed them to see the phrases in their proper context on the screen, which was a lot better than just translating words without context, like the previous example of “Slam”. This was essential to better understand the meaning and adapt the translation appropriately.
Video game translation also presents specific challenges related to humor and cultural references. Miguel comments that when jokes or references were encountered that did not work when translated literally, it was the translator's responsibility to find a solution that maintained the essence and desired effect in the target language and culture. This required creativity and time, and at times, Miguel suggests that it was useful to continue translating and return to those problematic fragments at a later date, so as not to get stuck on a single point.
Another challenge that translators encountered, particularly during Miguel's time, was character limitations. At the time, game consoles such as the Game Boy had restrictions on the length of text that could be displayed on screen. This presented an additional challenge, as Spanish, on average, is 30% longer than English. Translators had to find ways to express the same ideas in a smaller space without compromising comprehension or translation quality.
As for the requirements to become a video game translator, Miguel mentions that, in addition to translation training and experience in the field, it was generally required to pass a translation test. Candidates had to demonstrate their language skills, translation style, and ability to work within established deadlines. These tests were essential to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the translation in the specific context of video games.
While Miguel Genicio offers insight into video game translation based on his personal experience during the development of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, it is important to keep in mind that the industry has evolved significantly since then. Computer-assisted translation tools (CAT tools), translation memories, and other technologies have simplified and streamlined the translation process, providing translators with more efficient and consistent tools.
Translations of Pokémon games have been a big part of the popularity and global success of the iconic franchise. By adapting words, dialogue, and cultural elements, the translator allows players from different regions and languages to fully immerse themselves in the exciting world of Pokémon. Its work helps ensure that audiences around the world can access, understand, and enjoy the game experiences. Translating a Pokémon game is not only about accurately conveying the message and concept but also about preserving the essence and magic that make the series unique. The translators have demonstrated skill and creativity in finding appropriate solutions to overcome the language and cultural challenges that arise during game localization.
Conclusion
In short, translating Pokémon games into Spanish has presented unique challenges over the years. From the days when the process was rudimentary and manual to the use of modern tools, translators have had to deal with difficulties such as lack of context, adaptation to cultural references, and space limitations. Through creativity and dedication, the translators were able to overcome these challenges and bring the magic of Pokémon games to a Spanish-speaking audience.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the translators, the Pokémon franchise has managed to overcome language barriers and make it enjoyable for a huge number of people around the globe. Players from different countries and cultures have been able to experience the excitement and adventure of Pokémon games in their own languages, creating bonds through the games.
After all, translations are what have turned the franchise into a global phenomenon. The work of translators is critical to enriching the gaming experience and promoting linguistic and cultural diversity in video games. Their contributions deserve recognition and appreciation, as they play a crucial role in the expansion and establishment of Pokémon in the international view.
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