David Crislip Was the former localizer at Capcom Japan, and he wrote and translated scripts to the Japanese language for various games. His notable work includes Resident Evil 4, Dead Rising, and many more games. He recently appeared in KIWI TALKZ where he discussed learning Japanese, working for Capcom, tips to work in the Japanese Video game industry, and the common misconception gamers have of localization.
How does David learn Japanese?
Crislip was fascinated by Japanese culture from childhood, he loves watching Japanese anime and playing games. So he thought of going to Japan and working for gaming companies. After he got a degree, he moved to Japan as an English teacher. Crislip himself said in the interview that it was very easy and the only way for a Westerner to get into Japan at that time. It was a three-year contract for Crislip, where he teaches English to others.
While working as a teacher Crislip started his dream plan of learning Japanese and working for a gaming company. He started taking the Japanese language seriously in the second year of his contract. He planned to pass the highest level of Japanese proficiency test by the end of his contract.
How David Joined Capcom?
According to Crislip, it was his luck, timing, and connection that resulted in him joining Capcom as a localizer.
How Can Anyone Work for Japanese Game Studios?
As Crislip said, the most important thing anyone can do to work in Japan is to learn Japanese. Japanese studios work in the Japanese language and they don’t use English, it will be very difficult for anyone to get a job in Japan without learning Japanese. You have to learn Japanese, that’s the important stuff.
Crislip also advises people who want to work for Game studios, according to him it’s not enough nowadays to be a gaming enthusiast or game developer to join Game Studios. Studios now look more from you, and what you can bring to the table. If you have other hobbies or are an expert about a particular stuff, you have a higher chance of being hired than other people.
Common Misconceptions Gamers Have of Localization?
One of the common misconceptions gamers have about localization is that Localization is separate from development resulting in demolishing developers’ original ideas or dialogue through changing dialogue meaning. Crislip answered that Localization isn’t separate from Development, they work in simulation with Development. Localizer talks with Developers and lets them know about big changes they can make with a scene if a dialogue won’t fit in another language.
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