## Localization QA Canonical URL: https://side.inc/services/localization-qa Provider: Side (https://side.inc) --- ### 400+ Active Testers ### 45+ Languages ### 100% First Time Success Rate ![](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/24134545/LQA-Background-image.png) ## PROTECTING YOUR PLAYER COMMUNITY FROM LANGUAGE BUGS Translating your game's text from one culture to another is a potential minefield. Localization Quality Assurance is your best and last defence against linguistic errors that can prevent players accepting a game across multiple regions. We’re one step on from **[Localization](https://side.inc/services/localization)** and the end of the line. [GET IN TOUCH](https://side.inc/contact) ![side-ptw](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03051551/Vector-14.png) ## Services ### LINGUISTIC TESTING Linguistic testing verifies the accuracy of your translations in context, and confirms local and regional expectations for your game. Our experienced global network of native linguists apply their expertise to the translation, culturalization, and localization of text and audio-visual content in-game for all major regions and languages. ### LINGUISTIC PLATFORM COMPLIANCE TESTING Sometimes known as Standards or Certification Testing, Linguistic Platform Compliance testing ensures your game meets all hardware manufacturers' language content requirements, such as terminology and error messages. Our universal region coverage makes us the perfect partner for releasing your games in any territory and any language. ### GRAPHIC AND AUDIO TESTING Ensure that your translated text is readable on-screen and audible in-game. Overlaps, overflows, and cut-offs can make your game illegible, confusing players and creating progression blockers. With 100% First Time Success Rates and over 30 years' experience in localization quality assurance, we deliver to your requirements by your side. ### IMPLEMENTATION TESTING We check whether text has been translated and implemented correctly—identifying any string IDs, issues that are language dependent, and issues that block players from accessing, reading, or hearing your game correctly. ## HOW WE COLLABORATE WITH YOU? Our solutions and partnerships are always bespoke. For Localization QA, that means we view our role as a partnership. Timelines and expectations will change on your side, and our role is to meet them quickly and comprehensively. - Understanding your vision - Requirement gathering - Scoping according to your coverage needs - Test planning and test design - Test execution and bug entry - Bug fix verification - Ongoing quality analysis - Test closure Don't let your players get lost in translation. [GET IN TOUCH](https://side.inc/contact) ## OUR PARTNERS ![side-ptw](https://side.inc/images/ShadowLeft.png)![side-ptw](https://side.inc/images/ShadowRight.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nintendo-3-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174142/Square-enix-2.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174803/EA-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174013/Sega-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22181100/Capcom-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174508/WB-games-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nintendo-3-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174142/Square-enix-2.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174803/EA-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174013/Sega-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22181100/Capcom-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174508/WB-games-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nintendo-3-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174142/Square-enix-2.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174803/EA-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174013/Sega-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22181100/Capcom-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174508/WB-games-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nintendo-3-1.png) ![partner-logo](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22174142/Square-enix-2.png) ‹› ![side-ptw](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01121740/service-localization-backgroundD-bottom.gif) ## WE'VE UNLOCKEDSOME  EPIC ACHIEVEMENTS ![Winner Best Localization/QA Provider ](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TIGA-3.svg) Winner Best Localization/QA Provider ### 2024 ![Finalist Best Localization/QA Provider](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Devel-star-1-1.svg) Finalist Best Localization/QA Provider ### 2024 ![Finalist Best QA & Localization Service Provider](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pocket-gamer-1-1.svg) Finalist Best QA & Localization Service Provider ### 2024 ## GAMES BROUGHT TO LIFE Bringing your game to the world – by your side. [VIEW PROJECTS](https://side.inc/projects) [ ![project image 1](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/REMATCH_HR.jpg) ### REMATCH ](https://side.inc/projects/rematch) [ ![project image 2](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DELIVER-AT-ALL-COSTS_HR.jpg) ### DELIVER AT ALL COSTS ](https://side.inc/projects/deliver-at-all-costs) [ ![project image 3](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DOOM-THE-DARK-AGES_HR.jpg) ### DOOM: THE DARK AGES ](https://side.inc/projects/doom-the-dark-ages) [ ![project image 4](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/YAKUZA-0-DIRECTORS-CUT_HR.jpg) ### YAKUZA 0 DIRECTOR'S CUT ](https://side.inc/projects/yakuza-directors-cut) [ ![project image 5](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/LIKE-A-DRAGON-PIRATE-YAKUZA-IN-HAWAII_HR.jpg) ### LIKE A DRAGON: PIRATE YAKUZA IN HAWAII ](https://side.inc/projects/like-a-dragon-pirate-yakuza-in-hawaii) ###### Localization QA ## FROM THE LAB [VISIT THE LAB](https://side.inc/lab) [ ![side-ptw-news-image](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Banner545x420.png)![side-ptw-news-image](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Banner545x420.png) May 7, 2025 ## Why Localization, LQA, and Transcreation Are Key to Game Market Success [LOCALIZATION QA](https://side.inc/lab/localization-lqa-transcreation-game-market-success) [ ![side-ptw-news-image](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/15120419/Banner545x420-10LowQuality.png)![side-ptw-news-image](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/15120419/Banner545x420-10.png) February 18, 2025 ## How to Prepare and Conduct LQA Game Testing: Best Practices [LOCALIZATION QA](https://side.inc/lab/how-to-prepare-and-conduct-lqa-game-testing-best-practices) [ ![side-ptw-news-image](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/15140210/FlaviaBanner545x420LowQuality.png)![side-ptw-news-image](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/15140210/FlaviaBanner545x420.png) August 8, 2024 ## Meet the Team: Flávia Souza [LOCALIZATION QA](https://side.inc/lab/meet-the-team-flavia-souza) ## EXPLORE MORE ![game-development](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20132715/game-dev-icon.svg) ![game-development](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29062942/game-dev-icon-mob.svg) ## GAME DEVELOPMENT ![quality-assurance](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20133120/qa-icon.svg) ![quality-assurance](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29064213/qa-icon-mob.svg) ## QUALITY ASSURANCE ![localization](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20133006/localization-icon.svg) ![localization](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29064028/localization-icon-mob.svg) ## LOCALIZATION ![audio-production](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Audio-Icon-1-1.svg) ![audio-production](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/audio-mob-icon-1.svg) ## AUDIO PRODUCTION ![player-support](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20133042/player-support-icon.svg) ![player-support](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29064106/player-support-icon-mob.svg) ## PLAYER SUPPORT ![localization-qa](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20132924/localization-qa-icon.svg) ![localization-qa](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29063844/localization-qa-icon-mob.svg) ## LOCALIZATION QA ![datasets](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20132755/datasets-icon.svg) ![datasets](https://d1r5h1ay0no5pj.cloudfront.net/side/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29063043/datasets-icon-mob.svg) ## DATA SETS ## YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED What is localization QA (LQA) testing in games? Localization Quality Assurance (LQA) testing is the final quality assurance stage in game localization, verifying in game that translated games meet linguistic, cultural, and technical standards for target markets. Testers play through localized versions to identify translation errors, UI display issues, cultural inconsistencies, and technical problems. The process includes linguistic testing for accuracy and grammar, cosmetic testing for visual elements and formatting, functional testing to ensure features work properly, and cultural testing to verify local appropriateness. Why is linguistic testing important in game development? Linguistic testing protects your global reputation and revenue by ensuring localized content feels authentic to native speakers. Side's network of 400+ active testers across 45+ languages catches critical issues before launch, from mistranslations that break immersion to culturally inappropriate references. Our native linguists verify translation accuracy, cultural appropriateness, and text-to-audiovisual localization across all major regions. With a 100% First Time Success Rate and 30+ years of experience, we understand that linguistic errors can generate negative reviews, damage player trust, and require expensive post-launch fixes that cost far more than proper upfront testing. What's the difference between linguistic testing and functional testing? Side's linguistic testing focuses solely on text-related issues: translation accuracy, cultural appropriateness, grammar, and ensuring localized content displays correctly within your game interface. Our broader [**functional QA**](https://side.inc/services/quality-assurance) services handle gameplay mechanics, technical performance, and non-text code issues. However, there's some overlap – our LQA team can identify code-level implementation problems specifically related to text, such as string IDs not working properly, text encoding issues, or language-dependent display problems. What are the most common localization bugs in video games? The most common localization bugs include text truncation and overflow when translations exceed original text length, causing cut-off buttons or dialogue boxes. Also common are mistranslations and overly literal translations that ignore cultural context, thus breaking player immersion. Technical errors include placeholder text and variable problems when translators accidentally modify code elements, as well as hard-coded strings that remain untranslated. Character encoding issues can also cause special characters to display incorrectly, particularly problematic for non-Latin alphabets. What does the localization QA process look like for games? The localization QA process for Side follows our established framework: understanding your vision, requirement gathering, scoping coverage needs, test planning and design, test execution, bug entry and fix verification, and ongoing quality analysis. Side's localization QA process uses comprehensive tools and collaborative methodology. Our linguistic platform compliance testing ensures your game meets hardware manufacturers' language requirements, while graphic and audio testing verifies that translated text displays correctly and audio elements function across all target languages. Implementation testing checks whether text has been properly translated and integrated, identifying string ID or language-dependent issues. Our tools integrate with your development workflow, and universal region coverage enables game releases in any territory and language.