I guess it's natural in a way, most of us would rather read something in our native language.
But still, I feel there's much to gain in broadening the audience for VNs so after much internal debate, I've decided to provide my services as a translator.
It is also my hope that with this kind of initiative, other people will want to translate in their respective languages as well.
Since the latest version of Ren'Py shows the translation functionality right from the launcher, this is a great opportunity to get the wheel of fate turning ! (Yeah, I know...)
But we'll see if there is actual demand for it first , I'm kinda testing the waters here ^^'
Also, I'll only be working on two projects at most at any given time. Translating takes time and I don't want to half-ass it, some expressions can be tricky for instance.
Don't feel bad if I'm little picky too.
Like anyone else, I'm more inclined to work on projects I'm interested in to begin with.
That doesn't necessarily mean I won't ever translate your game though ! I'll just prioritize ones I like.
Thanks in advance for understanding.
Shoot me a PM if you're interested.
Also, feel free to ask questions and/or post suggestions/feedback in this thread.
Cheers !
Translated
- English to French
- This Is Where I Want To Die, for NoJoker [link]
- French to English
Slots
- Secret project, for ...
- Free slot
Legend :
acknowledged
in progress
reviewing
awaiting feedback
completed
----
Q&A
Q : I'm in the middle of writing my VN, will you translate it ?
Let me put it this way : would you contribute to a project which may not come to fruition ?
If I'm doing this, I'd rather translate finished products so please ask me when you're comfortable with the fact that your game's going to be completed.
The main reason is because if you make me translate a game which is never released, this time is lost on others who have everything in place. That's kinda sad..
Either that or you'll have to be very persuasive with me.
Q : Are you charging for this ?
Heck no ! I just want to help out the community however I can.
It's a win-win situation really : translating means more potential readers for your game, more readers means more interest in the medium, more interest means more games, and more games means more translating.
Q : Do you have examples ?
I have one translation project which is done and over with, check the Translated list.
I'm not sure dishing out lines out of context here will make for good proof but feel free to make suggestions or point me to some text to set as example.
Q : I'm French and I want my game to be translated in English. Would you be willing to do it ?
I guess, yeah. I'm fluent in both languages so it's no problem at all.
Q :What's the process like ?
To summarize a bit, it goes like this :
- Acknowledgment => I receive the files, look at them and brace myself for the upcoming work.
- Translation
- Review => Basically, searching for typos, improving the text, etc...
Once I feel like it's completed, you get the translated files back.
I'll also be available should people point out mistakes and they come out as being right on the money.
Q : How should I credit you ?
I guess it depends. If you use your real name in your project, then please use my real name as well if you think it's relevant.
If you credit people only using their nicknames, then I guess you can use my nickname instead.
People will be able to track me down regardless, but ask me for confirmation anyway. I'd rather you tell me beforehand ^^'
Q : My game is at a demo stage. Is it okay to ask for translation at this point ?
If you're confident your game's going to be finished eventually, sure ! This can also be used as a selling point to potential readers.
I'll consider demos to be projects themselves so once I'm done with yours, I'll move on until your game is completed.
When it is, I'll work on it once a slot becomes available.
Q : It says that you're a writer and proofreader in your sig. Can I ask you to help out with these as well ?
While my primary focus at this time is translating VNs, you can try me, sure..
By the way, you get a +10 persuasion bonus if your project has sci-fi in it.
Q : Wait, why don't you make your own VN ?
Sure I have ideas but I can't commit that much time for a project.
And I'd rather work in a team than being a one man army to be honest.
Q : Hey, I saw you draw ! Are you an artist as well ?
Oh no I'm not ! I'm comfortable in writing, drawing is something totally different !
I'm just trying stuff out, I'm a very curious guy ^^
Q : What genres do you prefer ?
Tough one actually. I like lots of stuffs, really !
If I had to pick, these I guess :
- Science fiction
- Fantasy
- Comedy
- Romance
- Drama
- Mystery
Q : What about types of couples in Romance stories ?
BxG for one, as most guys I suppose. I'm okay with GxB because again, I'm a roleplayer.
I'm less enthusiastic about GxG and BxB but that's probably just me not imagining myself kissing a guy or if I was a girl, myself kissing another girl.
I can still pull that off in roleplaying though. Funny, right ?
Q : Is it okay if they're traps ?
Uh... Can we.. change topics please ? * sweatdrops *
Q : Okay... And what about Adult stuff ?
I'm actually not comfortable with it, mainly because I get embarrassed if it becomes too sexual ^^'
Q : Oh my god, I love you ! Please go out with me !
No !