Abstract: With the rapid development of globalization, the boom of video game industry brings the prosperity of video game software localization industry. As one of the most important markets in the world, China has become increasingly popular with video game publishers, which establishes the great demand and significance for video game software localization.

This research focuses on the translation process in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and attempts to analyze the game texts from the perspective of Skopos Theory. Based on Skopos Theory, this paper analyzes the functions and translation strategies of the game texts and proves that the translation strategies adopted in video game translation all serve for the functions of the game and comply with three rules in Skopos Theory. In the meantime, this paper aims to find out the most appropriate translation strategy of video game software translation and finally achieve a better game experience for target players. 

Key words: localization; video game software; Skopos Theory

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1-Introduction-1

1.1-Research Background and Research Significance-1

1.2-Research Questions and Research Methodology-1

2-Literature Review-2

2.1-Studies on Video Game Software Localization-3

2.2-Studies on Skopos Theory-3

2.3-Summary-4

3-Three rules in Skopos Theory-5

3.1-Skopos Rule-5

3.2-Coherence rule (Intra-textual Coherence)-6

3.3-Fidelity rule (Inter-textual Coherence)-7

3.4-Summary-7

4-Case Study: Translation Process in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Localization-9

4.1-Introduction of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim-9

4.1.1-Background of “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”-9

4.1.2-Game Text Collection of “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”-10

4.2-Three Rules in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Localization-15

4.2.1-Skopos Rule in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Localization-16

4.2.2-Intra-textural Coherence Rule in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Localization-17

4.2.3-Fidelity Rule in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Localization-18

4.3-Strategies and Methods Employed in the Localization of The Elder of Scroll V: Skyrim-19

4.3.1-Translation Strategies Employed System Information-19

4.3.2-Translation Strategies Employed in the Names of Creatures-20

4.3.3-Translation Strategies Employed in the Game Story-20

5-Conclusion-21

References-22