TL;DR:
- Keywords Studios emphasizes the importance of specialized AI workflows for video game localization.
- Specialized AI engines outperform generic models in translating 1,000 words.
- Human post-editing plays a critical role in refining AI-generated translations.
- Productivity and quality go hand-in-hand when using specialized AI for localization.
Main AI News:
In the fast-paced world of video game localization, the quest for speed and accuracy in translation has led to a significant shift in recent years. Keywords Studios, a pioneering force in the industry, has been at the forefront of implementing AI-powered systems since KantanAI joined its ranks in 2019. However, their approach to AI integration in game localization differs significantly from the one-size-fits-all model. They advocate for specialized workflows that seamlessly blend technology and human expertise, a philosophy that has proven to be a game-changer in this highly complex field.
The Pitfalls of “One-Size-Fits-All” AI Models
When it comes to the translation of 1,000 words using machine translation, the speed and efficiency of specialized AI engines stand out. Currently, a machine translation specialized AI engine can translate 1,000 words in less than five minutes, while massive general AI models, such as ChatGPT, can achieve the same task even faster. This apparent paradox—specialized tools taking longer—merits a closer look.
Massive AI models like ChatGPT have a vast pool of data at their disposal, but this data is generalized and not tailored to specific genres or projects. On the contrary, specialized and trained machine translation engines employ specific data related to a particular field and source language. Moreover, they take into account prior translation efforts, resulting in outputs that precisely capture the required style, tone, and terminology.
The Role of Human Expertise
While AI-generated translations excel in terms of speed, they should not be evaluated solely based on this criterion. Consider this: if your team spends hours refining AI outputs to meet industry standards, is this the most efficient use of your resources?
This is where “post-editing” comes into play. All content localized through AI engines requires thorough review and refinement, particularly in creative fields like video game translation. Post-editing differs from traditional linguistic reviews and is rapidly evolving into a discipline of its own.
Post-editors focus on words and phrases flagged by the AI engine as “fuzzy matches,” ensuring that these elements are translated appropriately for the target language. Fuzzy matches represent words or sentences the engine has encountered before but in a different order or alignment. The engine employs memory and terminology data to suggest the best-quality translation. However, there will be cases where human intervention is necessary.
A trained post-editor can efficiently edit AI output of 1,000 words in a matter of hours, processing approximately 4,000 words a day. Nevertheless, achieving these numbers relies on the output being adequately trained for the specific content type.
Specialized AI for Enhanced Productivity
Non-specific, massive AI models often result in a high Translation Error Rate (TER) and, ultimately, reduced productivity. The initial productivity levels might appear promising, but it’s essential to see beyond the numbers.
In the world of video game localization, success is not determined by speed alone but by precision and efficiency. Specialized engines, enriched with context and specific terminology for each project, are the keys to fully reaping the benefits of AI technologies.
Conclusion:
The journey to efficient, high-quality AI-powered translation is akin to a marathon rather than a sprint. By partnering with industry specialists like Keywords Studios, businesses can embark on this journey with confidence, thanks to their leading AI engines and expert teams of reviewers and post-editors. Specialized AI, coupled with human expertise, is the winning formula for success in the dynamic world of video game localization.
