Embracing the Future: Nihon Falcom's Visionary Approach to AI-Powered Localization

In a candid interview, Nihon Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo shares his optimistic outlook on the potential of AI technology to revolutionize the localization process for the studio's beloved Trails series, while also addressing the concerns and challenges that come with this emerging landscape.

Unlocking Global Accessibility: Nihon Falcom's AI-Driven Localization Strategy

Harnessing the Power of AI for Faster and More Accurate Translations

Nihon Falcom, the renowned Japanese game developer behind the acclaimed Trails series, is embracing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of localization. In a recent interview, Toshihiro Kondo, the studio's president, expressed his optimism towards the integration of AI technology to expedite the translation process and enhance the accuracy of their games' overseas releases.Kondo acknowledged that while the AI-powered translations he reviewed for the upcoming Trails title, "Trails of the World -Farewell, O Zemuria-," exhibited some minor flaws in capturing subtle nuances, he was often surprised by the AI's ability to translate certain passages with remarkable precision, rivaling the quality of human-led localization efforts from a decade ago."Compared to the level of translation we used to see in overseas PC games that were localized into Japanese, the ELLA AI translation is at a much higher level," Kondo remarked, highlighting the significant advancements in this technology. He expressed confidence that as the AI continues to learn and improve, the need for human intervention will diminish, ultimately saving valuable time in the localization process.

Addressing the Concerns: Balancing AI and Human Expertise

Acknowledging the apprehension surrounding the potential displacement of human jobs due to the rise of AI-powered localization, Kondo drew parallels to historical events like the Luddite movement in 19th-century England, where workers opposed the introduction of mechanized technologies. He recognized that similar concerns are emerging in the English-speaking world regarding the impact of AI on translation and localization.However, Kondo remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of AI integration, stating that while some temporary job losses may occur, the overall societal advantages will outweigh the challenges. He believes that as AI-powered translation becomes more accessible, even niche titles that appeal to specific segments of the gaming audience will be able to reach a global audience, ultimately benefiting both game creators and players.Kondo also addressed the concerns raised by some Falcom staff members, particularly designers, who are wary of the potential for their work to be illegally used by AI systems. He acknowledged that this is a different situation from translation and requires a more nuanced approach, but he expressed a desire to find a way to leverage AI technology while still respecting the contributions of human creators.

Accelerating Global Reach: The Trails Series and the Promise of AI Localization

Kondo highlighted the unique challenges faced by the Trails series, which often features an expansive amount of text that can significantly delay the release of overseas versions compared to the Japanese release. He believes that by delegating the primary translation work to AI, the overall localization process could be compressed, potentially allowing for simultaneous worldwide releases or at least a significantly reduced time gap between the Japanese and overseas versions."The Trails series cannot be released simultaneously worldwide because the amount of text is several times larger than that of a typical RPG," Kondo explained. "We have to work on the Japanese version until the very last minute, and then the translation process begins, so the overseas version inevitably comes out a year later at the earliest. Under such circumstances, if we can release the overseas version six months later or at the same time by using AI translation, it would be a great thing for us as a business owner, and not a bad thing for the fans."Kondo's vision for the future of Nihon Falcom's localization efforts reflects a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach, one that seeks to harness the power of AI to overcome the challenges of delivering their beloved Trails series to a global audience in a timely and accurate manner. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Nihon Falcom's embrace of AI-driven localization may serve as a model for other Japanese developers seeking to bridge the language divide and expand their international reach.