Nintendo has faced allegations of failing to credit translators who contribute to its game localization. Multiple translators have come forward to detail their experiences working on Nintendo titles and the subsequent lack of recognition.
The gaming industry has a history of overlooking the contributions of various team members, including translators. Traditionally, game credits have included lists of translators, acknowledging their work and providing professional recognition. However, several translators have claimed that Nintendo's crediting practices are inconsistent. While the company often lists its in-house translation team, it allegedly omits translators from external agencies such as Localsoft and Keywords.
To protect sensitive game information, Nintendo requires translators to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). These agreements, while necessary to safeguard intellectual property, also impose significant restrictions on translators. They are unable to publicly acknowledge their work on Nintendo projects for up to ten years, hindering career development and professional opportunities.
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The lack of credit is particularly detrimental to freelance translators, who rely on project recognition to build their portfolios and attract future clients. High-profile projects like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom could significantly boost a translator's career, but the NDA prevents them from capitalizing on their involvement.
While Nintendo does include the names of translation agencies in game credits, it falls short of recognizing the individual translators whose efforts contribute to the final product. This oversight has sparked discussions about fair credit practices within the gaming industry.
The gaming industry has a history of overlooking the contributions of various team members, including translators. Traditionally, game credits have included lists of translators, acknowledging their work and providing professional recognition. However, several translators have claimed that Nintendo's crediting practices are inconsistent. While the company often lists its in-house translation team, it allegedly omits translators from external agencies such as Localsoft and Keywords.
To protect sensitive game information, Nintendo requires translators to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). These agreements, while necessary to safeguard intellectual property, also impose significant restrictions on translators. They are unable to publicly acknowledge their work on Nintendo projects for up to ten years, hindering career development and professional opportunities.
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The lack of credit is particularly detrimental to freelance translators, who rely on project recognition to build their portfolios and attract future clients. High-profile projects like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom could significantly boost a translator's career, but the NDA prevents them from capitalizing on their involvement.
While Nintendo does include the names of translation agencies in game credits, it falls short of recognizing the individual translators whose efforts contribute to the final product. This oversight has sparked discussions about fair credit practices within the gaming industry.