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Analysis of Videogame Localization from the Perspective of Dynamic Equivalence： A Case Study of Cyberpunk2077’s Chinese Version

动态对等理论下的游戏本地化浅析 ——以赛博朋克2077中译为例 

Abstract

The localization of games has become an important medium in the transnational communication of video games as an art form. Good localization can not only help players of the receptor language understand the text, but also sometimes affect the sales of the game to a certain extent.

This thesis applies dynamic equivalence theory to analyze the translation strategies of Cyberpunk2077’s localization. Dynamic equivalence theory has the characteristics of not restricting the form of the original text, as well as focusing on the psychological reaction of readers. As the reader-oriented translation strategy, it concords well with the commodity property of the localization game.

Thus, the thesis gives an overview of Eugene Nida’s dynamic equivalence theory and the characteristics of the localization of video games, and analyzes the reasons why Cyberpunk2077’s localization has been highly accepted and approved by most Chinese players from the aspects of noun terms translation, dialogue translation and world background introduction translation.

Key words: dynamic equivalence; videogame; aesthetic function; localization 

摘要

游戏汉化一直在电子游戏这种艺术形式的跨国传播中充当重要媒介。优秀的汉化不仅可以帮助译入语玩家理解文本，有时也能一定程度上影响游戏的销量。

本文用动态对等理论分析了电子游戏赛博朋克2077在汉化过程中的翻译策略。动态对等理论有着不拘泥于原文形式、注重读者的心理反应等特点。这种以读者为导向的翻译策略与游戏汉化的商品属性相当契合。

由此,本文概述了尤金·奈达的动态对等理论和电子游戏本土化的特点，并从名词术语翻译、对话翻译、世界背景介绍翻译等方面分析了《赛博朋克2077》汉化观众接受度高的原因。

关键词：动态对等理论; 电子游戏; 美学功能; 尤金·奈达; 本地化

Contents 

目录

Statement(in Chinese)

Abstract(in English)

Abstract(in Chinese)

I. Introduction

II. Overview on Dynamic Equivalence and Localization of Video Games

1. Dynamic Equivalence
2. Concept of Dynamic Equivalence
3. Development of Domestic Dynamic Equivalence Theory Studies
4. Localization of Video Games
5. Concept of Video Game Localization
6. Domestic Studies on Localization
7. Significance of the Reasearch

III.  Analysis of Videogame Localization in Cyberpunk2077 

1. Introduction of Localization and Player’s Feedback
2. Types of Content and Analysis
3. Translation of Noun Terms
4. Translation of Dialogues
5. Translation of World Background Introductions

IV. Conclusion

Bibliography 

Acknowledgements

Appendix