Crossing borders: localization and paratext in Arabic mobile video games

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the intersection between mobile video game localization and paratext. More specifically, it investigates the potential factors that can impact and shape the entire gaming experience. To conduct the current study, the App Store descriptions for all the games listed in the App Store sub-category ‘Play in Arabic’ were analyzed (n = 23). A descriptive analysis was provided for each game’s app store description component, including the name of the game, events, what’s new, preview, rating and reviews, app privacy, and information. Moreover, the original English version of all these components was compared to the Arabic localized version. The findings revealed that not all components of the app store description are fully localized into Arabic. As far as paratext is concerned, the analysis demonstrated that gamers’ experience can be influenced and shaped by the surrounding description of the game and its localized versions.