FEEL MY SWORD! LOCALIZATION STRATEGIES AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN SKILL DESCRIPTION IN TORAM ONLINE MMORPG

Ryo Adi Buwono; Robith Khoiril Umam

doi:10.33884/basisupb.v13i1.10985

Authors

Ryo Adi Buwono Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta
Robith Khoiril Umam Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33884/basisupb.v13i1.10985

Keywords:

Localization Strategies, Localization Quality Assessment,, Skill Description,, Toram Online

Abstract

This research investigates the localization strategies and quality of combat skill descriptions in Toram Online MMORPG from English to Bahasa Indonesia. The goals of the study are to reveal the type of description performed by Toram Online MMORPG in describing the combat skills and to reveal the localization strategies and its quality in translating the skill description in Toram Online MMORPG. The study employed a descriptive qualitative method, collecting textual and visual data from the game. The analysis utilizes Gardner’s (1983) theory for description types, alongside Purnomo’s (2019, 2025) frameworks for spatialization strategies and Ludic Localization Quality Assessment (LQA). The findings reveal that Faithful Description (161 data) is the dominant type, indicating a priority on technical accuracy. Regarding strategies, the translator predominantly employed Mediation (226 data) and Retention (138 data) to balance clarity with gaming terminology. Consequently, the localization quality is classified as "Tends to be Good" (average score 2.95), with 421 data points rated as "Good." The study concludes that Toram Online’s localization successfully mediates complex mechanics without compromising information, effectively supporting the strategic optimization culture of its player base.

References

Aarseth, Espen. (1997). Cybertext: Perspectives on Ergodic Literature. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Annisa, A.N. (2019). Localization Quality Assessment for Video Game Subtitle Entitled “Sastrasuki”. Unpublished thesis. UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta.

Allim, R.P.N. (2023). Quick Chat Localization Quality Assessment as Seen from Mobile Legends; Bang-bang, Arena of Valor, and Heroes Evolved. Unpublished thesis. UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta.

Aqib, N. (2024). Diegetic Strategies and Localization Qualities of Achievements Translation in Genshin Impact. CrossOver Journal of Adaptation Studies, 4 (1). https://doi.org/10.22515/crossov er.v4i1.8898

Bernal-Merino, M. A. (2020). Key concepts in game localisation quality. In Ł. Bogucki & M. Deckert (Eds.), The Palgrave handbook of audiovisual translation and media accessibility (pp. 297–314). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42105-2_15

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Fahlevi, A.R. (2022). The Translation of Commander’s Catchphrases as Found from Rise Of Kingdoms from The Perspectives of Spatialization. Unpublished thesis. UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta.

Frasca, Gonzalo. (2013). Simulation Versus Narrative: Introduction to Ludology. In Mark JP Wolf and Bernard Perron (eds.). The Video Game Theory Reader: 221-235. Routledge.

Goh, E., Al-Tabbaa, O., & Khan, Z. (2023). Unravelling the complexity of the video game industry: An integrative framework and future research directions. Telematics and Informatics Reports, 12, Article 100100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teler.2023.100100

Mangiron, C. & O’Hagan, M. (2006). Game Localization: Unleashing Imagination with translation. The Journal of Specialised Translation, 6, 10-21, https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/artpub/2006/143140/jostrans_a2006n6p10.pdf

Mangiron, C. & O’Hagan, M. (2013). Game Localization: Translating for the Global Digital Entertainment Industry. John Benjamins.

O’Hagan, M. (2009). Towards a cross-cultural game design: an explorative study in understanding the player experience of a localised Japanese video game. Journal of Specialised Translation, 11 (1), 211-233.

O’Hagan, M. (2016). Game localisation as software-mediated cultural experience: Shedding light on the changing role of translation in intercultural communication in the digital age. Multilingua: Journal of Cross-Cultural and Interlanguage Communication, 35(1), 27–46. https://doi.org/10.1515/multi-2014-0043

Purnomo, S. L. A., Purnama, S. L. S., Untari, L., Muttaqien, M. Z., Prakoso, M. R., Umam, R. K. (2019). Studies On Shift: Game Localization and Subtitling. CV Gerbang Media Aksara., Yogyakarta.

Purnomo, S, L, A. (2018). Model Pelokalan Video Game Berbasis Ludifikasi. Unpublished Doctoral Disertation. Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta.

Purnomo, S. F. L. A., Purnama, S. F. L. S., Untari, L., Azahra, A., & Putri, N. O. P. (2021). Proposing a typology of ludification as a translation technique for PC, console, mobile and online games. Langkawi: Journal of The Association for Arabic and English, 7(1), 25–39. https://doi.org/10.31332/lkw.v7i1.2338

Purnomo, S. L. A. (2025). LOOKIN’ GOOD: LUDIC LOCALIZATION QUALITY ASSESSMENT FOR VIDEO GAMES. Leksema: Jurnal Bahasa Dan Sastra, 10(1), 61–77. https://doi.org/10.22515/ljbs.v10i1.11447

Pym, A. (2005). Localization: On its nature, virtues and dangers. Synaps, 17, 17–25.

Spradley, J. P. (2016). The Ethnographic Interview. Long Grove: Waveland Press, Inc.

Zaroh, Mutiara. (2022). Localization of Hero Pre-Battle Dialogue from English to Indonesia in The King of Fighters All Star. Unpublished thesis. UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta.