Translation Plan and Timeline Projections
As we head toward the finish line on the game, we're beginning to turn our attention toward the translation process. Many of you have asked how we are approaching this, and what these timelines may look like in comparison to the English version. We'll start by saying we absolutely have the goal of releasing each language edition of the game as close to the English version as possible. We will also note that our translation partners vary in their size and that this is a big game, so we do expect a bit of a staggered release schedule based on the resources of the translation teams. Owner/lead designer Josh Carlson offered this information on our Discord a few weeks back, and we feel it's worth sharing here:
For those asking about our plan for translations:
1) As SOON as we feel we have a rulebook and how to play/tutorial complete enough (in structure and in content), we will send that to all language partners. Our goal for this is January. This will not be the version we are asking them to translate; this will be the version they themselves can learn the game from and familiarize themselves with terms, mechanics, etc.
2) Soon after that, we hope to be able to send all language partners a version of all written materials that they can start to translate. Our hope is February for this version. From this point forward, it requires us (CTG) to keep a change log on everything. That means we don't want to rush this part if we can help it.
3) Our goal is to fully wrap all change logs and proofing of all content by March for English file submission. This would allow production of the English version of the game to begin (including all components for other language partner orders that don't require translation).
4) From there, the plan is to let each translation team work on the game at their own pace (as we know team sizes and resources vary) with the only request being that final translations be fully submitted and approved by CTG by Aug. 1 (four months after receipt) in order to release with a similar timing as the English version (currently slotted for Oct 2024 fulfillment). To be clear, there is no requirement for partners to meet that deadline, even though we will strongly urge them to do so. As some of you have mentioned, oftentimes on large projects, translation begins after the original language releases. We wanted to coordinate as much as we could on this to allow the chance for other languages to release at the same time as the English version without holding any version hostage. As translations are completed, they will be produced. For some translators, four months might not be enough time. That's OK; it just pushes that language's delivery into 2025.
5) If this all goes as planned, it would mean we could actually keep the pledge manager open as late as July to allow for as up-to-date addresses as possible. Then we would close it with intent to start English fulfillment approx 2-3 months later. Also, as soon as the PM closes, our plan would be to start fulfillment of all non-TES products people have added to their pledges. This does a few things. It allows backers to get certain things sooner. It cuts down on the amount of things we need to ship out when TES is completely produced and ready for fulfillment. And it allows us to pre-box TES items in just a few configurations so that they can basically be sent as soon as they hit port versus a massive pick and pack fulfillment project that would lengthen delivery timelines by as much as two months. In some cases, this could increase shipping costs (which would be on us to deal with), but in most cases, people adding other things like TMB will be getting two packages anyway, so why not send the other bits sooner?
We will, of course, keep you all updated as we begin to prep files for our translators.
