12

When I compare between visual novels that are originally developed & written in Japanese first before localization into English, often or not: the information density is different between the two. As in, the original text only comprises of like 2-3 sentences while the translation feels like reading a 4-5 line paragraph in English. Is it because translators who managed to secure the rights can't cram all the information in a limited UI?

For example, Aksys Games is the one who does the translation while the IP holders from the source material is Otomate. They only focus on the text rather than re-doing voice acting for the English release. Lip sync is another issue since both JPN & ENG have different speech patterns, how would you even find the right casting pool in English that can deliver the same performance & emotional impact as the original JP voice actors?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] refalo@programming.dev 1 points 1 week ago

I think the JP fonts are thinner so they don't take up as much space.

this post was submitted on 30 Sep 2026
12 points (92.9% liked)

Game Development

6437 readers
7 users here now

Welcome to the game development community! This is a place to talk about and post anything related to the field of game development.

Community Wiki

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS