Problems of language localization of computer games in translation into Russian (using the examples of Half-Life 2 and Portal 2)

The aim of the study is to develop an algorithm of translator actions as one of the approaches to improve the quality of game adaptation for the Russian-speaking audience, using Half-Life 2 and Portal 2 as examples. The article examines organizational, technical, contextual, and cultural-linguistic aspects that influence the localization process. An analysis of translation transformations, such as literal translation, semantic and pragmatic changes, and their role in achieving equivalence of the original gaming experience, is carried out. The scientific novelty lies in the development of a classification of localization problems, an algorithm for the work of a translator-localizer, as well as in the identification of typical translation errors associated with the lack of full context, software code limitations, cultural-linguistic differences, for the elimination of which practical recommendations are proposed. As a result, four categories of localization problems are identified (organizational and preparatory, technical, contextual, and cultural-linguistic), and an algorithm for professional video game localization consisting of four stages (preparatory – project analysis, direct localization, pre-release alpha testing and refinement, post-release refinement) is proposed. It is emphasized that a deeper understanding of the stages of language localization and potentially problematic aspects of the localization process as a whole can, in the future, help to improve the quality of the localization result, which, in turn, will increase the satisfaction of Russian-speaking players and the commercial success of the game.