【8-4】Bringing Masterpieces from Overseas to Japan, and from Japan to the World! Localized in Various Languages—Check Out 8-4’s Lineup for Enjoying Overseas Games!

In the gaming industry, localization plays a significant role in allowing players to enjoy works without feeling the language barrier. Among those highly praised for this is “8-4.” Based in Shibuya, Tokyo, this company goes beyond simple translation by valuing culture and user experience, bringing out the maximum charm of games through their localization efforts.

8-4 has been responsible for localizing iconic games like 'Monster Hunter,' 'NieR,' 'Dragon Quest,' 'Fire Emblem,' and 'UNDERTALE.' It's no exaggeration to say that one of the reasons these titles are loved by players around the world is due to 8-4's meticulous and careful localization work.

8-4’s work goes beyond merely translating Japanese into English, or vice versa. They get involved from the early stages of game development, assisting with script creation and build verification, thereby playing a role in enhancing the overall quality of the game. For instance, in 'Glory of Heracles,' they proposed tripling the battle speed to make the combat more exciting. Such suggestions are designed to help players naturally immerse themselves in the game.

8-4’s localization focuses not only on language translation but also on tone, user interface, and cultural references, with meticulous attention to detail. Their goal is to provide the same experience for players in any language version. While this is no easy feat, 8-4 achieves it at a high level. Their skills are particularly evident in text-heavy genres like RPGs.

8-4 is not only involved in localization but is also challenging new fields. In 2022, they partnered with the American company Limited Run Games to establish “SUPERDELUXE GAMES,” a company that sells digital-only games in physical formats. Additionally, they handle the English translations for the YouTube channel “Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games,” expanding their activities even further.