The Specifics of MMORPG Genre Translation

Abstract

This article deals with the specifics of the translation of the MMORPG video game genre. It focuses on the World of Warcraft video game (2004, Blizzard Entertainment) and then on its expanded version World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (2010, Blizzard Entertainment). By using a descriptive method, it presents the main features of this video game and analyses various types of elements (belonging to the field of game mechanics) that need to be localized during translation (e.g., the user interface and the terminology that forms a part of the creation process of an in-game character). The article also includes graphic examples that clarify the nature of the video game, its differences in comparison with other types of more frequent translation, and any issues that may arise during the process of its localization. Its main goal is to explore a specific video game terminology by using relevant sources and providing guidance and ideas for future video game localization projects.