JWeinCom said:
I get what you're saying. I still say it wouldn't be right to consider it censorship in this case. If so, then what is the difference between censorship and localization? Is any change made to the original work censorship? |
I think it's a very fine line. I know that when it comes to translating languages, it can be impossible to just literally translate the text with the meaning remaining the same. So, with that in mind, I do think localizing have to take a concentrated approach that the intended meaning comes through when translating a game into English, French, etc. Localization to me if providing the same experience in a language that I can understand, anything more than is unnecessary.
If the actual game's content is removed or edited to suit whatever the company believes is compatible with the values of that country or culture, I believe it's censorship. I want games to be treated like movies where foreign films aren't butchered or tamed for Western audiences. From a personal standpoint, not all censorship is bad. There are some cases where it is mandated by law and the localiser has no choice and I don't think you can fault them for that (or in a more relatable case, AO games can't be on Sony, MS, or Nintendo platforms, so they have to ensure the game doesn't get that rating).