In game localization QA, not all issues are about wording. Sometimes the problem is that numbers, units, dates, or time formats are not adapted to the target market. Even when the text is translated, region-specific formatting may still feel foreign or confusing to players.
That is why Formatting/Unit Issue is an important issue type in LQA testing. It affects readability, usability, and how naturally the game communicates with local players.
What Is Formatting/Unit Issue in Game Localization QA?
In game localization QA, Formatting/Unit Issue refers to cases where date, time, number, or measurement formats are not properly localized for the target region.
- This may include:
- number shorthand that does not match local convention
- incorrect date or time display format
- wrong currency display
- units of speed, weight, or distance that are not adapted
- formats that are understandable, but not natural for the target market
Example of Formatting/Unit Issue
For example:
Source: 1w金币
Target: 1w Gold
In this case, the UI retains the Chinese shorthand “1w”, which may not feel natural to English-speaking players. A more localized version would use “10K Gold”, which better matches English numerical conventions in games.
Why it Matters
Formatting and unit issues can:
- force players to mentally convert values
- interrupt gameplay flow
- make currencies or quantities harder to understand
- reduce the native feel of the localized version
LangLink Tip:
Adapt all time, date, number, and measurement formats to regional standards in the style guide, and make sure these rules are applied consistently during localization and LQA.
This is the seventh post in our LangLink LQA Bug Dictionary Series, where we break down common game localization bugs and share practical ways to prevent them.
At LangLink Games, we believe strong game localization QA means more than translating words correctly. It also means presenting information in the way players naturally expect.
Check out more dictionary entries here: LQA Bug Dictionary
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