How much does game localization cost?

Updated October 24, 2026 · 6 minute read

"How much does it cost to translate my game?" sounds like it has no answer, but it's mostly math: how many words, how many languages, and the rate per word. Here are the real rates I could find, with sources, and how to keep the bill small.

I'm not going to make up numbers. Every rate on this page comes from a named source you can click and read. Both sources are companies that sell localization, and freelancers set their own prices, so treat these as ballparks.

How translators price game localization

• Per word. The most common way. It's counted on your original text (the source words), once per language.
• Repeated lines. Many translators charge less for lines that repeat, and some don't charge for them at all.
• Per hour. Common for testing the build (LQA), reviewing someone else's work, and small updates.
• Minimum fee. Level Up Translation says "the majority of translators and localization agencies charge a minimum fee," so tiny updates can cost more than their word count suggests.
• Per project. One price for a fixed job, like your store page in five languages. Write down exactly what's included.

Published per-word rates

This table comes from the Allcorrect localization pricing page (updated in 2026). The rates are in euros per word, translating from English. They say repeated lines are translated for free.

For a second opinion, Level Up Translation put the most common languages (French, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese and Chinese) at 9 to 12 euro cents a word. That article is from 2019, so treat it as a floor more than a current quote.

Testing in the game (LQA)

Localization testing means a native speaker plays your build and flags text that overflows, breaks or reads wrong in context. Allcorrect lists this at €27 to €53 an hour depending on the language. A few hours per language is a sensible start for a small game, more if you have a lot of menus and dialogue.

How many words is your game?

Word count is the number that moves your budget the most. Level Up Translation lists the games it has localized with their word counts, which gives a feel for the range:

Here's the math at €0.10 a word, which sits inside both sources' ranges. These are my own example numbers, not quotes:

What makes localization cost more

• More words. Item descriptions, barks and lore add up fast. Count them.
• More languages. Every language is the whole bill again.
• Wordplay and jokes. Lines that need rewriting, not just translating, take longer.
• No context. More questions, more mistakes, more fixes.
• Rush deadlines and lots of small updates that each hit a minimum fee.
• Testing. Worth it, but it's an extra line in the budget.

How to spend less

• Start with your store page. Valve's Steamworks docs say you can localize your store page and your game separately, and suggest using regional wishlists to see where the interest is.
• Pick fewer languages. Valve also says "you shouldn't feel the need to localize for every language." Start with the ones your wishlists point to.
• Cut words. Level Up Translation suggests trimming unnecessary text and using icons where they work.
• Send it all at once. One big batch beats ten small ones that each hit a minimum fee.
• Prepare your text. A clean file with context and a glossary saves the translator time, and you money. My translator guide has a checklist.

Tip: When you post a role on IndieGuild, there's a budget field. Putting your number and word count in means translators can see if it fits before they reply.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to translate an indie game?

Multiply your word count by the per-word rate and the number of languages, then add testing. Allcorrect publishes about €0.06 to €0.17 per word from English depending on the language, so a 20,000-word game at €0.10 a word is about €2,000 per language before testing.

How much does it cost to translate a Steam store page?

Use the same math: count the words in your store page and multiply by the rate and the number of languages. It's much shorter than your game, and Steam lets you translate it without translating the game, so it's a cheap way to test which languages bring wishlists.

Is game translation priced per word or per hour?

Translation is usually per word, counted on your original text. Testing the build, reviews and small updates are often per hour, and many translators have a minimum fee.

Can I use machine translation to save money?

It's cheaper up front, but players notice stiff or wrong lines quickly. If you use it at all, pay a native speaker who plays games to review every line, which is real work and should be priced like it.

Is IndieGuild free?

Yes. IndieGuild is free for developers and creators, and I don't take a cut of anything you pay people. Pay and rights are agreed directly between you and the person you hire.

More guides

• How to find a translator for your indie game
• How much does art cost for an indie game?
• How much does music cost for an indie game?
• How game music, sound and voice acting is priced
• How to find people to work on your game