[Opinion] Capitalisation in video game text Автор темы: Freigeist
|
|---|
Hello everyone. Recently I had a little dispute with another colleague about capitalisation in video games (for games localised in English). While I hold the opinion that contrary to classic writings it is quite common to capitalise a lot more terminology in descriptions and running texts of video games (especially to make them more ‘leap out’ and to separate them from the “fluff” part of the text – like building names (Laboratory, Medical Centre, Barracks, etc.), unit names (Banshee, ... See more Hello everyone. Recently I had a little dispute with another colleague about capitalisation in video games (for games localised in English). While I hold the opinion that contrary to classic writings it is quite common to capitalise a lot more terminology in descriptions and running texts of video games (especially to make them more ‘leap out’ and to separate them from the “fluff” part of the text – like building names (Laboratory, Medical Centre, Barracks, etc.), unit names (Banshee, Marauder, etc.) class names (Shaman, Wizard, Warlock), spell or ability names (Righteous Fury, Supernova, Power Jump, etc.) – he has the opinion that this leads to an impaired reading fluency and might be considered as bad style or even as spelling mistake.
Example 1: “Build 5 Marines and destroy the enemy Laboratory to complete this mission.” vs. “Build 5 marines and destroy the enemy laboratory to complete this mission.”
Example 2: “Cast the spell Disintegrate on a hostile Wizard to gain Experience Points.” vs. “cast the spell disintegrate on a hostile wizard to gain experience points.”
Therefore I wonder how you manage the capitalisation of terminology in video games and what rules do you apply? ▲ Collapse
| | | | SirReaL 
Германия
Local time: 09:41
английский => русский
+ ...
On the whole, I agree with you.
In my experience, such capitalization is more common in games with made-up names of units/buildings/etc. (i.e. games in sci-fi, medieval or fantasy worlds), but less common in more 'realistic' games set in the real world (some FPS and simulation titles).
| | | | | I'm with you | Mar 26, 2011 |
When the word refers to a specific in-game term, I would capitalize it in English.
Although in your example, I might not use them for "experience points" since those are mostly generic.
I'd say that 90% of the games I played use capital letters for such cases. Like Mikhail pointed out, when the game goes for a realistic tone, such as subtitles for the video of a mission briefing, I would not use them. But in menus, tutorials, absolutely.
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » [Opinion] Capitalisation in video game text | CafeTran Espresso | You've never met a CAT tool this clever!
Translate faster & easier, using a sophisticated CAT tool built by a translator / developer.
Accept jobs from clients who use Trados, MemoQ, Wordfast & major CAT tools.
Download and start using CafeTran Espresso -- for free
Buy now! » |
| | Trados Studio 2022 Freelance | The leading translation software used by over 270,000 translators.
Designed with your feedback in mind, Trados Studio 2022 delivers an unrivalled, powerful desktop
and cloud solution, empowering you to work in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
Translation news
