Why won't publishers kickstart localizations?

[VanceIX]

Nem said:

kupomogli said:

 

I know localizations don't cost that much.  There are plenty of people fluent in Japanese and English so why can't they just outsource to gain that extra little bit of income.  It's stupid of them to not release a game in a series and then later release the sequel and then bitch about how it didn't receive the numbers they're expecting.  If they released earlier titles in the franchise and built up their fanbase, then maybe they would be seeing more sales.   

I agree. They have no strategic vision. These are companies led by people who only care about the numbers at the end of the year, they dont care about building a long lasting and sucessful company. They literally live in the short term.

That is why the best way to get things localised is to literally make so much noise that they are forced to acknoledge and do something to shut it up.

Yup. Localizing games is an excellent long-term tactic, as it builds up your user-base. With digital downloads, you can cut out any costs associated with shipping and manufacturing and just spend a relatively paltry amount on translations. Keep the Japanese voices if you want to, not too many people mind.