Shokookohifar, Mohammad, Nemati Lafmejani, Hamideh. (1403). Challenges and Opportunities in Localizing Video Games for the Iranian Market: A Case Study of Zula and CS: GO. سامانه مدیریت نشریات علمی, 1(3), 67-88. doi: 10.22054/tir.2024.82983.1030
Mohammad Shokookohifar; Hamideh Nemati Lafmejani. "Challenges and Opportunities in Localizing Video Games for the Iranian Market: A Case Study of Zula and CS: GO". سامانه مدیریت نشریات علمی, 1, 3, 1403, 67-88. doi: 10.22054/tir.2024.82983.1030
Shokookohifar, Mohammad, Nemati Lafmejani, Hamideh. (1403). 'Challenges and Opportunities in Localizing Video Games for the Iranian Market: A Case Study of Zula and CS: GO', سامانه مدیریت نشریات علمی, 1(3), pp. 67-88. doi: 10.22054/tir.2024.82983.1030
Shokookohifar, Mohammad, Nemati Lafmejani, Hamideh. Challenges and Opportunities in Localizing Video Games for the Iranian Market: A Case Study of Zula and CS: GO. سامانه مدیریت نشریات علمی, 1403; 1(3): 67-88. doi: 10.22054/tir.2024.82983.1030
Challenges and Opportunities in Localizing Video Games for the Iranian Market: A Case Study of Zula and CS: GO
1PhD Student, North American Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2Assistant Professor, English Department, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
چکیده
This study explores video game localization as a growing field with substantial potential in Iran’s market. With limited local game development, localization offers Iranian localizers a promising business opportunity. While existing Iranian research often focuses on localization challenges, norms, and some skepticism due to past setbacks, this study uses qualitative thematic analysis to examine Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and its localized version, known as Zula. Key themes, including user interface, character adaptation, gameplay, monetization, and in-game chat, were analyzed to assess how localization strategies impact user engagement and cultural resonance. Findings highlight Zula’s effectiveness in aligning content with Iranian cultural values, including its use of localized maps, Persian text, and culturally neutralized characters, which fosters a sense of national identity and enhance user engagement. However, some weaknesses persist in the internationalization and translation stages such as issues with writing direction and incomplete translations. The study also reveals the economic potential of successful localization, with estimated monthly revenues of IRR 189 billion indicate high profitability for well-localized games in Iran. By addressing existing gaps and proposing pathways for growth, this study contributes to the establishment of a sustainable and globally competitive localization industry in the Iranian gaming sector.