Ask English Localization Lead Kate Cwynar Lore & Localization Questions

[Riiki]

Why does Vrtra speak with the common "english" accent when in dragon form but "fakes" a "Thavnair Accent" when inhabiting Varshahn EVEN when he's not in close proximity to the people of Thavnair (i.e: When we're in the 13th)?

[Uboar]

Craft question: I noticed that from late-Stormblood onward, some of the more stylized EN localization choices began to be eschewed in favor of language more accessible to modern speakers (fewer instances of your cheeky "mayhaps", "pray", "must needs be", etc). As much as I enjoy the charm of the ASOIAF-like language quirks, I think the change has worked in the game's favor. What factors played a part in moving in this direction?

(apologies if this has been asked in the past! couldn't find an answer online, but that doesn't mean it's not out there)

[Uboar]

And a final craft question: What's the localization process like for using real-world foreign languages? (I'm specifically thinking of all the Greek used for the Ancients--who decides names/spelling? The spelling for 'Hephaistos' is a good example; I think most English-speakers are more familiar with the Latinized 'Hephaestus', so I'm curious how the team arrives at these decisions!)

[mukuburd]

In Eureka Pyros, there's an aetheryte location known as the Dragon Star Observatory; however, we learn in the AST quests that Sharlayan astrology doesn't concern itself with the Dragonstar that Ishgardian astrology was so fixated on. Was there a reason that Sharlayan would construct an observatory on the Isle of Val for the specific study of it?

[Vic_Valcrist]

One more question if I may, and I know most likely this has to do with marketing or budgeting rather than localization or maybe it hasbeen answered already but..


Would there ever be a possibility of a Spanish and/or Portuguese localization of the game?

. Is it due to logistics? Too many different regional variants? Aqcuisitive power in countries that speak those languages? Not having those languages available in-house? (I recall yoshi-P mentioned around the launch of HW than due to the nature of the game having frequent updates, adding a new language meant it couldn't be delegated to an external company)

I find it interesting that there are French and German localizations, when far more ppl in the world speak Spanish or Portuguese than those languages

[echuilles]

Hello Kate!

I noticed in the Codex entry for Zodiark, it is stated that Elidibus created a reflection himself to continue his duty. This seems to echo what is written in "Ere Our Curtain Falls," where he remained in Zodiark as His heart. However, in previous interviews it was stated that he separated himself from Zodiark or "fell" from Him, which makes more sense logistically. If Elidibus was still in Zodiark when Hydaelyn dealt her final blow, why was he not sundered along with Zodiark Himself, who was stated to be sundered?

[RayneEdwards]

When is the isle spring going to get replaced with the PvP style one. There's little point in having to keep refreshing it to get "infinite" sprint when it should just be a toggle on / off

[Riiki]

I agree, it'd be great, but considering the amount of text it'd be quite the task.

[8bitbadguy]

Dear Kate,

If you were an Ancient, what kind of concept would you be responsible for? Do you think it would be approved by the Bureau of the Architect? Please draw us a picture.

Love from Balmung

[feeshyfeesh]

I noticed that the Garlean flag and the symbols and designs we see in Elpis are very similar. I assume this was because Emet-Selch was the one who designed it. Does it have the same meaning?