CONTRACT - Localization Specialist (Japanese)

Nintendo of America Inc.; Washington, Redmond (District of Columbia, WA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Localization Specialist to enhance the gaming experience through expert translation and cultural adaptation. This contract role involves translating game text, voice scripts, and marketing materials, while collaborating closely with teams to ensure high-quality localization. The ideal candidate will have localization experience, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of gaming culture. This hybrid position offers a competitive hourly rate and a range of benefits, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about the gaming industry and eager to contribute to beloved franchises.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of localization experience with strong translation skills.
• Knowledge of localization issues and market preferences essential.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and produce high-quality results.

Responsibilities

• Translate and review game text and marketing materials for localization.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality localization.
• Participate in media interviews and support promotional efforts.

Skills

Localization Experience

Strong Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Knowledge of Localization Issues

Japanese Bilingual

Education

Relevant Educational Background

Tools

Microsoft Office

Slack

Jira

Confluence

Content Management Systems

Job description

About Nintendo of America:

From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System more than 30 years ago, Nintendo's mission has been to create smiles through unique entertainment experiences. Here at Nintendo of America Inc., we deliver on this mission by partnering closely with Nintendo Co., Ltd., to bring Nintendo's iconic and cherished franchises including Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Animal Crossing, Pikmin and Splatoon across the Americas through our video games, hardware systems, and collaborations with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like feature films and theme parks.

Based in Redmond, Wash., Nintendo of America serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Americas. We are an equal opportunity employer offering a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, and the diverse consumers and communities we call home. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at https://www.nintendo.com/.

**This is a CONTRACT position

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Localization

• Translates and reviews game text, voice scripts, marketing materials, and supplementary development and testing-related documents and materials as required to support Nintendo products and services through launch and beyond.
• Gains a deep understanding of assigned projects through hands-on gameplay, study of game specifications, and collaboration with other team members.
• Leverages expert knowledge of the project to clearly communicate developer intent and enhance the user experience through clear and well-translated text.
• Provides cultural and creative input regarding localizing Nintendo products for the Americas.
• Informs management in a timely manner regarding development schedule challenges, changes, and delays.
• Participates in table reads and group feedback sessions.
• Works with experienced staff and mentors to hone localization skills to follow Nintendo style for various franchises.
• May communicate with first- and second-party developers regarding Nintendo product localization.
• Builds and enhances relationships with Nintendo Co., Ltd. (NCL) creative and development partners.
• May contribute to the naming process for game terms and assist with planning and preparation for voice recording sessions.
• Innovates and finds efficiencies in the localization process.
• Collaborates closely with internal and external partners, especially testing resources, to ensure high-quality localization.
• May test and evaluate games and products, providing feedback on design and content for NOA territories.
• May act as a product subject matter expert to assist other NOA departments with game-related support, including demonstrating games internally and capturing videos and screenshots.
• May collaborate with localization staff at NOE to achieve alignment and create process efficiencies.
• May review machine translation, outsourcing, and global partner texts for accuracy and consistency.
• May review products for Legal and ESRB compliance, making recommendations for changes based on target audience and business needs.
• May participate in content discussions and game evaluations, recommending what games to bring to market.
• May provide guidance to improve overall gameplay, presentation, and user experience for product releases in the Americas.
• Maintains awareness of culturalization topics, identifying issues, and proposing solutions as needed.
• May act as a liaison for NCL and development partners, including translating communications on behalf of NOA.
• May perform translation and interpreting for other departments and subsidiaries, including interpreting meetings, calls, and video conferences related to game development and localization.
• May participate in hiring processes and provide feedback on translation tools.

Marketing

• May interpret media interviews with developers.
• Communicates product strengths, features, and differentiation points to upper management, marketing, and other stakeholders.
• Reviews and evaluates product concepts and designs, participates in planning marketing strategies, and contributes to the development of marketing materials.
• Generates game-related content for websites, social media, and other portals.
• May demonstrate games to media, participate in interviews, present on live streams, and support promotional efforts.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:

• One to three years of localization experience.
• Knowledge of localization issues and market preferences.
• Ability to make recommendations on cultural/localization issues.
• Ability to preserve the creative vision during localization.
• Knowledge of game development process helpful.
• Experience producing high-quality results under tight deadlines.
• Experience working with global teams helpful.
• Familiarity with Nintendo franchises, products, and history.
• Understanding of the video game industry across platforms.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Slack, Jira, Confluence, and content management systems.
• Familiarity with programming tags and CAT tools is a plus.
• Ability to work in a highly confidential environment.
• Japanese bilingual specific: Strong translation and interpreting skills, knowledge of Japanese and US localization issues, familiarity with Japanese culture and business protocol, experience with localization tools, and relevant educational background.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

This is a CONTRACT position

This position is hybrid in Redmond, WA. Hybrid positions require regular onsite work following the schedule and guidelines for their division. This position is not open to fully remote status at this time.

This contract position offers a base pay range of $29.40 - $44.10 per hour and benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and others. Benefits will be confirmed at the time of offer and may differ depending on the employing agency.