Singapore University of Social Sciences

Subtitling and Game Localisation

Subtitling and Game Localisation (CTI321)

Synopsis

CTI321 Subtitling and Game Localisation focuses on subtitling for audio-visual content and localisation strategies suitable for video games. The course first discusses pros and cons of subtitling and captioning, dubbing, and voice-over. It explores various audio-visual translation strategies in order to identify suitable subtitling strategies for different types of media and entertainment, in particular, video games. Students will be introduced to subtitling guidelines and different levels of subtitling. They will use subtitling software tools, Computer-Aided Translation (CAT) tools and Machine Translation (MT) to create and edit subtitles. The course will also delve deeper into issues specific to game localisation, such as character identification, cultural references, censorship, interactivity and creativity. At the end of the course, students will work independently on a video game subtitling and localisation project. The skills acquired can be applied to other forms of entertainment, such as film, drama, social media streaming and audio-visual advertisements.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every July
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done MAINLY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. This is supplemented with SOME face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

  • Subtitling, captioning, dubbing and voice-over
  • Audio-visual translation
  • Genres of media and entertainment
  • Localisation for media and entertainment
  • Subtitling guidelines
  • Subtitling software
  • CAT and MT in game localisation
  • Cultural references in game localisation
  • Character identification and historical references in video games
  • Censorship in gaming industry
  • Interactivity in game localisation
  • Creativity in game localisation

Learning Outcome

  • Analyse different types of media localisation
  • Demonstrate an understanding of subtitling guidelines
  • Categorise technical, linguistic, cultural and legal challenges in game localisation
  • Formulate strategies to localise video games
  • Use subtitling software and CAT/MT tools
  • Prioritise interactivity and creativity in game localisation
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