Localization Quality Assurance (LQA) is a vital component for game studios and publishers aiming to deliver seamless gaming experiences that resonate with players worldwide. Ensuring that every aspect of the game is culturally accurate and linguistically flawless can make or break player immersion. 

Our LQA Test Lead at PTW Korea, Jihyun Youn, shares some key strategies for preparing and conducting effective LQA tests. Read on to discover the importance of adaptability, managing a team effectively, and maintaining open communication to achieve the best results. 

Understanding the project  

Every game, dev team, and Localization QA project has their own pace and preparation level. There’s a ton of information that we need to aggregate and organize for any given project. So, before we even begin testing, we start with a deep dive and review everything to get a clear picture of the project, ensuring that we have all the information necessary to deliver the best linguistic testing we can. 

A large part of this process is familiarizing ourselves with the game using the build and text files that our partner provides. This preliminary stage is pivotal in determining the allocation of the text checks and evaluating aspects like text display and text box size, because they help in future progress.  

In some cases, we may be missing pertinent information—sometimes up to a week before kick-off. In such circumstances, we coordinate with relevant parties such as the sales team, other studios, and the Localization team. If any information is still missing, we reach out to our game publishing partner to fill those gaps.  

Assembling the right team for the job 

Due to the dynamic nature of LQA testing, we allocate our team in a way that is adaptable to the specific needs of each project. If we notice that certain content or text types are more bug-prone, we quickly adjust our strategy, bringing in additional testers to focus on those areas. This ensures we’re responsive and have the right expertise where it’s needed most. 

On a more personal level, managing a team effectively means continuously monitoring progress and offering timely feedback. If a tester is progressing through the game slowly, we investigate the cause, provide debugging tools, or request additional resources from our partner. We’re always ready to adjust our testing methods or reallocate tasks to maintain efficiency.  

Consistent feedback is key, particularly when testers might be overlooking certain bug categories, so having the right testing and leadership team helps us maintain a high standard of quality.  

Internal communication and development  

We’re big on sharing insights, with many of our LQA leads having lots of experience working on varied projects over the years. Sharing information is more than just getting the job done—it’s about constantly improving our processes and learning from each other.  

We document everything from key project details to client preferences to minimize trial and error for each new project. Plus, we have access to our teams around the world, often working on the same games in a different language. So, we routinely gather updates, collaborate, and pool knowledge from our teams in Korea, Shanghai, Taiwan, and beyond, consolidating them into a single report for our partners to streamline our approach and maintain consistency. 

By sharing valuable insights with other teams and identifying and addressing any gaps, we can streamline progress and enhance the overall quality of the project. 

While being organized and communicating effectively internally is crucial, so is coordinating with our partners. 

Maintaining an open communication with our partners 

The truth is, no matter how meticulous we are, a project’s outcome relies heavily on the tools and builds provided by our partners. That’s why we prioritize open, transparent communication to make sure we’re all moving in the same direction every step of the way. 

If we encounter uncertainties or need more information, we never hesitate to ask—even if it can feel uncomfortable at times. If a question remains unresolved after thoroughly reviewing the information provided by our partner and cross-checking with other teams, we always seek further clarification.  

For instance, there was a project where we suspected that certain DLC content hadn’t yet been implemented, even though our client thought it had been reviewed. After checking with our point of contact, they clarified that some elements of the DLC were not immediately accessible post-installation and could only be checked after conducting specific procedures. Subsequently, we shared this information with other teams, enabling us to successfully complete the DLC review.  

This kind of proactive questioning is part of what allows us to deliver the best results and shows our partners that we’re committed to getting it right. 

Adapting to client needs 

In today’s industry, game development and LQA often run in parallel, which means we need to be adaptable. Game specifications can change based on the state of development, and when they do, it’s our job to assess the impact on LQA. If necessary, we conduct extra checks and request any additional data from our partners to keep everything on track. 

Since requirements may change, it’s also essential for our leads to engage with the game directly, playing through it multiple times to understand its evolving state.  

For example, there was a time when a partner wanted to shift focus from a text review to in-game checks midway through a project. We adapted by assigning testers to familiarize themselves with the game specifications through gameplay while others conducted intensive reviews for critical bugs, ensuring we met the partner’s needs without sacrificing quality. 

This approach ensures that we stay in sync with any client updates or changing requirements.  

Bringing it all together 

At PTW, our LQA process is all about flexibility, communication, and continuous improvement. We understand that each project is unique, and we tailor our approach accordingly. By working closely with our partners and relying on our global expertise, we deliver professional LQA services that ensure a smooth and bug-free gaming experience. 

Need some help localizing or testing your game? With over 40 studios worldwide, we have the expertise and the scale to bring your game to new markets.  

Get in touch today to see how we can deliver the quality your players expect.