Discovering Success Factors of 4 International Games in Indonesia

The growth of international games in various countries has created abundant chances for collaboration between developers and translators aimed at the target audience. Successful projects go beyond mere language translation; they involve cultural adaptation, quality assurance, and frequently, community involvement. Below are some notable examples of games that have been successfully translated into Indonesian, along with the factors contributing to their large fan base.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a highly popular international game. It belongs to a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game created and published by Moonton. Since its release in 2016, it has quickly become a mass favorite, especially in Southeast Asia.

Gameplay

In Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, two teams consisting of five players strive to destroy the opponent’s base while defending their own. It features three main lanes—top, middle, and bottom—where players confront their rivals. Each of them selects a hero with their unique abilities and roles, such as fighters, marksmen, assassins, supports, tanks, and mages, to balance the team formation.

Heroes and Abilities

The game includes over 100 heroes who have distinct skills and playstyles. Players can choose heroes based on their preferred role and strategy and customize them with various skins and equipment to enhance their appearance and performance in battle.

Game Modes

This international games offers several game modes, including:

• Classic Mode: The standard team battle on the traditional MOBA map.
• Ranked Mode: Competitive matches where players can push the ranks.
• Brawl Mode: A fast-moving, more chaotic version with a single lane and random hero option.
• Custom Mode: Permits players to create and play custom games with buddies.
• Arcade Modes: Different enjoyable and experimental modes that change regularly.

Features

To support access to international games, it’s free-to-play and available on both Android and iOS platforms. Meanwhile, the engaging gameplay and social aspects have contributed to its massive global player base and dedicated fan following. For further features, kindly check below:

• Intuitive Controls: It’s designed with a virtual joystick on the left and skill buttons on the right, providing an effortless and responsive control experience on mobile devices.
• Quick Matches: Games usually conclude within a span of 10 to 15 minutes, rendering it perfectly suited for mobile gaming on the move.
• Regular Updates: The developer frequently updates the game with new heroes, skins, events, and balance alteration to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
• Powerful Community Engagement: The game fosters a vibrant community with in-game events, social media interactions, and collaborations with influencers and content creators.

Success Factors

• Comprehensive Localization: Every aspect of the game, including menus, dialogues, and instructions, is translated into Indonesian, ensuring easy access for players.
• Cultural Celebrations: Special in-game events commemorate Indonesian holidays and cultural traditions.
• Community Interaction: Active participation on Indonesian social media platforms, collaborating with local influencers and organizing events to engage players. Additionally, the game boasts a thriving esports community, hosting various regional and global tournaments like the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) and the annual M2 World Championship, drawing millions of viewers and offering significant prize money.
• Customer Assistance: Support services are available in Indonesian, providing seamless assistance for players.

Read Also: Game Localization: Key to Global Video Game Success

PUBG Mobile

PUBG stands for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. It’s a highly multiplayer battle royale game developed and published by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of Krafton Game Union. Since its release in 2017, it has swiftly gained immense popularity, solidifying its position as one of the most influential titles in the battle royale genre.

Gameplay

PUBG engages up to 100 players in a fight on an island, where they must scavenge for weapons, ammunition, and gear to defeat others while avoiding being eliminated. As the match progresses, the playable area contracts, forcing players into closer proximity and intensifying the combat. The last player or team will be the winner.

PUBG offers several extensive maps, each with distinctive terrains, landmarks, and strategic opportunities. Key maps include Erangel, Miramar, Sanhok, Vikendi, and the recent addition, Karakin.

Game Modes

There are various modes to suit diverse play styles and preferences in this international games, as follows:

• Classic Mode: Provides the traditional battle royale experience with options for solo, duo, and squad play.
• Ranked Mode: Offers competitive matches where players can climb the ranks and compete for top positions.
• Arcade Mode: Includes rotating game modes with various rule sets, such as War Mode, Mini-Zone, and Sniper Training.

Features

Available on various platforms, including PC, consoles (Xbox, PlayStation), and mobile devices (iOS, Android), PUBG is accessible for players around the world. It supports cross-platform play and progression, allowing them to switch between devices, while maintaining their progress and achievements.
Meanwhile, PUBG is praised for its:

• Realistic Graphics: Providing stunning visuals and immersive environments that enhance the gaming experience.
• Vehicle Gameplay: Enabling players to use various vehicles, from cars to helicopters, for travel and combat.
• Weapon Customization: Featuring a wide range of firearms and attachments for players to customize their loadouts and adapt to different scenarios.
• Dynamic Weather: Incorporating weather conditions like rain, fog, and day-night cycles to add challenges and unpredictability.
• Team Communication: Supporting effective teamwork and communication through built-in voice chat and text options.

Success Factors

• Language Support: Comprehensive translation of the game’s interface, settings, and communications into Indonesian.
• Localized Content: Introduction of region-specific items and events that resonate with Indonesian players. PUBG also hosts a vibrant esports scene with numerous tournaments and leagues held global gathering through social media and streaming platforms.
• Marketing and Sponsorship: Targeted marketing campaigns and sponsorship of local esports tournaments.
• Engagement with Local Influencers: Collaborations with popular Indonesian streamers and influencers to promote the game.

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact, created and published by miHoYo, is an open-world action RPG that has enthralled a global audience since its launch in September 2020. Available on platforms such as PC, PlayStation, iOS, and Android, Genshin Impact provides a rich, immersive experience with exploration, combat, and a deep narrative.

Moreover, this international game takes place in the fantasy world of Teyvat, consisting of seven distinct regions, each ruled by a different elemental Archon and defined by its unique culture and landscape. The current regions are Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, and Sumeru, with additional regions planned for future updates.

Players assume the role of the “Traveler,” who explores Teyvat in search of their lost sibling while unraveling the world's mysteries. Throughout their journey, they meet various characters, form alliances, and uncover the secrets of Teyvat’s elemental magic and the mysterious Abyss Order.

Gameplay

Genshin Impact offers a mix of action-based combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Furthermore, the key gameplay elements include: Character Switching: Players can assemble a party of up to four characters, seamlessly switching between them in real-time to leverage their unique abilities and elemental skills.

Elemental System: The combat system in the game revolves around seven elements (Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro, and Cryo), which interact dynamically to produce potent elemental reactions, adding depth and strategy to battles. Exploration: The expansive open world of Teyvat beckons players with its varied landscapes, ranging from snowy mountains to verdant forests and bustling cities. This encourages players to explore every nook and cranny, uncovering hidden treasures, engaging in quests, and delving into the rich lore of the world.

Gacha System: New characters and weapons are obtainable through a gacha mechanic, where players spend in-game currency (Primogems) to make wishes for items. This system forms the core of the game's monetization strategy, providing players with a chance to acquire rare and powerful assets to enhance their gameplay experience.

Characters

Genshin Impact features a diverse array of characters, each with unique backstories, personalities, and elemental affinities. Characters can be leveled up, equipped with artifacts and weapons, and customized to suit different playstyles. Notable characters include Venti, Diluc, Zhongli, and Raiden Shogun, among many others.

Features

Genshin Impact includes a co-op multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to explore the world, complete quests, and tackle challenging domains together. This mode enhances the social aspect of the game, fostering collaboration and teamwork. In addition, this international game is praised for its stunning graphics, inspired by anime aesthetics, and its dynamic soundtrack composed by the acclaimed Yu-Peng Chen and performed by various orchestras. The music adapts to the environment and in-game events, enhancing the overall immersive experience.

Since its launch, Genshin Impact has been met with widespread acclaim for its expansive worlds, engaging combat system, and high production values. It has also been a commercial success, generating significant revenue and establishing itself as a major player in the gaming industry.

Success Factors

• High-Quality Translation: Careful translation of storylines, character dialogues, and UI elements ensures a seamless experience for players.
• Voiceovers: Although not initially available, the game is considering adding Indonesian voiceovers in response to its large player base in Indonesia.
• Community Feedback: The developers actively listen to the Indonesian player community to continually enhance localization efforts.
• Localized Events: Regular in-game events and promotions are specifically tailored to Indonesian players.

Free Fire

Free Fire, created by 111 Dots Studio and published by Garena, is a widely popular battle royale game that has attracted a global audience since its release in 2017. Accessible on iOS and Android platforms, this international game delivers a fast-paced, action-packed gaming experience that appeals to a broad range of players.

Gameplay

Free Fire places up to 50 players on a remote island, where they must search for weapons, equipment, and supplies to defeat opponents and survive. Known for its brief matches, typically lasting around 10 minutes, it is perfect for mobile gaming. Meanwhile, the key gameplay elements include:

• Character Selection: Players can choose from a diverse roster of characters, each with unique abilities that can be upgraded and customized to suit different playstyles.
• Landing and Looting: At the beginning of each match, players parachute onto the island and search for weapons, armor, and other gear to increase their chances of survival.
• Safe Zone and Shrinking Map: The playable area on the map gradually shrinks, forcing players into closer proximity and intensifying encounters.
• Vehicles: Players can use various vehicles to move around the island quickly, escape danger, or engage in vehicular combat.

Characters

Free Fire features a wide array of characters, each with unique skills and backgrounds. Players can level up characters, unlock new abilities, and customize them with various outfits and accessories. Notable characters include DJ Alok, K, Chrono, and Hayato.

Features

Free Fire boasts impressive graphics optimized for mobile devices, offering a visually appealing and smooth gaming experience. The sound design, including realistic weapon sounds and immersive background music, enhances the overall atmosphere.

It also employs a free-to-play model with in-app purchases. Players can buy in-game currency (diamonds) to acquire cosmetic items, characters, weapon skins, and other upgrades. The game also features a battle pass system (Elite Pass) that provides exclusive rewards and challenges.

To complete the game, Garena frequently updates Free Fire with new content, including characters, weapons, skins, and game modes. The developers actively engage with the community through social media and feedback channels, ensuring that the game evolves according to player preferences.

Game Modes

• Beyond the classic battle royale mode, this international game offers several other game modes to keep the experience exciting:
• Clash Squad: A team-based mode where two squads of four players each compete in fast-paced, round-based matches.
• Ranked Mode: Players engage in ranked matches to climb the leaderboard and earn rewards.
• Special Events: Periodic events that introduce unique game modes, challenges, and rewards.

Success Factors

• Complete Localization: Thorough translation of all game aspects into Indonesian.
• Local Esports Scene: Free Fire has a vibrant community and a growing esports scene. Garena regularly hosts tournaments and events, giving players opportunities to compete at local, regional, and global levels. The game’s accessibility and engaging gameplay have made it a favorite in the mobile esports landscape.
• Cultural Relevance: In-game items and events that reflect Indonesian culture and preferences.
• Collaborations: Partnerships with Indonesian celebrities and brands to enhance the game’s appeal.

Conclusion

The success of game translations into Indonesian depends on a thorough understanding of local culture, language nuances, and player preferences. The international games above show that effective localization can result in widespread adoption and a loyal player base in Indonesia, with continuous improvements based on local player feedback. Additionally, government support, economic benefits, and tourism are crucial. Ensuring the safety of participants and spectators is also vital, and Indonesia has implemented comprehensive security measures, including collaboration with international security agencies and the use of advanced technologies to monitor and manage risks.