Unlocking the Secret of the Most Bafflingly British Videogame: Translators’ Herculean Effort to Localize Across Languages

The Charming Chaos of Thank Goodness You’re Here

"Peans! Not quite peas, not quite beans, but something special in between." This exclamation from the game Thank Goodness You’re Here perfectly captures the essence of this gloriously silly romp through the fictional town of Barnsworth. With its blend of slapstick humor, innuendos, and visual gags, it’s no wonder the game has become a global phenomenon.

The Challenges of Localization

But how do you take a game that’s so deeply rooted in British culture and make it accessible to players around the world? We spoke to the localization teams behind the game to find out. From Brazil to Europe, and from China to Russia, they shared their experiences and insights on how they tackled the task.

A Cultural Bridge

For Thank Goodness You’re Here, the key to success lay in its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. As developer Coal Supper’s Hoffmann explained, "TGYH works great in other languages, because it’s like a good custard pie. The crust consists of making fun of life in a small town, which almost anyone can relate to. The filling is a custard of slapstick, innuendos, and purely visual gags that work in every language as well."

The Power of Context

But how do translators bring this humor to life in other languages? According to Mikhail Shvyriaev, playing the game was essential in understanding the context and tone of the dialogue. "How and when characters say things is just as integral as what they actually say," he noted.

The Art of Translation

From puns to innuendos, the localization teams had to be creative in their approach. Take French translator Cyriaque Le Menn’s take on the "dingleweed", a flower that spreads its seed when you touch it. He changed it to "giclette sauvage" (wild squirter), a simple yet effective translation that captures the same spirit as the original.

Support from the Developer

But what makes a successful localization project? For Thank Goodness You’re Here, it was the support from the developer that made all the difference. As Anne Thiecke, who managed the localization project, noted, "We were truly blessed to have such a great line of communication for this title, as some large publishers will sometimes leave the translation teams guessing for their best interpretation."

A Global Phenomenon

So, what’s the secret to Thank Goodness You’re Here‘s international appeal? It’s a game that’s not just funny, but also relatable and accessible. As Hoffmann put it, "Barnsworth might be British as a bulldog, but thank goodness everyone gets to visit."

Graffiti and Gags

Of course, no discussion of Thank Goodness You’re Here would be complete without mentioning its visual gags. From graffiti to signs, the game is full of clever references and humor. While some of these gags may be lost in translation, the game’s localization teams worked hard to preserve the spirit of the original.

Conclusion

Thank Goodness You’re Here is a game that’s all about embracing chaos and having a good time. Its success is a testament to the power of humor and the importance of cultural understanding. Whether you’re a fan of British culture or just looking for a good laugh, this game is sure to delight. So, grab a cup of tea, put on your best British accent, and get ready to visit Barnsworth.