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Software localization

Zoo Corporation is a developer of Japanese database management software and has been localizing and publishing foreign PC game software in Japan since 1993. For a complete list of titles, please visit our Game Software page.

At Zoo we are always on the lookout for new software titles for localization. If you are a publisher or developer and want to port your title into the Japanese market - Zoo can handle your needs.

Zoo can localize your English title into Japanese for full Windows OS support. The Japanese software industry has shown remarkable growth in recent years with the popularity of the internet and software sales are increasing at an exponential rate.

Localization of a software package from English to Japanese involves more than simply translating the manual and the user interface. The main difference between Asian and European languages is that all characters are double byte (one character on the screen taking up two spaces) which requires double byte enabling. Zoo has dealt with and overcome virtually every problem conceivable in dealing with double byte Japanese localization. In addition to the manual and user interface Zoo has full facilities to localize sound, animation and graphics. Also included in every localization project is the subsequent advertising, marketing, distribution and sales - all of which Zoo has a strong background in.
If you would like to have Zoo evaluate your company's PC game software, please contact Zoo.
Localization contract negotiations are handled by Zoo's agent SAMI, located in California.
Please refer to the illustrations below to see how the localization process works.

How does the localization process work?

Zoo receives localization kit from developer/publisher including: - Text, sound and graphic files - Package, manual and ad artwork Zoo's localization team localizes all necessary text, sound and graphics into Japanese. Zoo's graphic division localizes all graphics and documents necessary for packaging, manual and ads etc. Localized data is sent back to developer for integration and compilation of the initial Japanese "build". Japanese versions of the package, CD-ROM, manual and ad artwork are sent to the publisher for approval. Zoo receives first build of the Japanese version and extensive testing begins. First bug report sent to developer. Evaluation for all Japanese artwork is received. Any necessary changes are made and sent to publisher. Zoo receives 2nd build of software, tests and sends the results to developer. This continues until a mutually agreed final version is completed. Zoo receives final approval for all artwork for the Japanese version. Magazine ads are placed and demo versions are sent to reviewers. Final Japanese "Gold master" of program is received by Zoo, sent for duplication and then distributed to stores nation wide via established network. Additional "POP" artwork and posters sent to stores for display. Promotional events (game competitions etc.) organized. Magazine reviews published. After extensive pre-sales promotion, the highly anticipated Japanese version of the software is released nation wide.

Examples of localized package artwork and advertising

Localized package for "Anno 1503 - The New World" Point of purchase "POP" for software stores Vertical "POP" Anno 1503 J full page magazine ad