Freelance Language Lead – Games (English > Japanese)

Position

Freelance Language Lead – Games (English > Japanese)

Company

GTE Localize

Company website

https://gtelocalize.com

Seniority

Senior

Employment Type

Freelance

Salary

Negotiable

Location

Remote

Who are we? GTE Localize is a global localization provider with 9+ years of experience. Founded in Vietnam, we have expanded to four offices across Vietnam, Singapore, the US, and the UK. Today, we work with 2,000+ native linguists and support clients across 100 languages and multiple industries. What kind of projects do we work on? Our localization work covers a wide range of content, including games, software, marketing, finance, life sciences, and other specialized fields. In game localization, our work includes in-game text, UI, dialogue, events, and promotional content, with workflows designed to support frequent updates and live content releases. What makes us different? We combine experienced linguists with technology and structured localization workflows. Our proprietary G-One system supports project management, freelancer job delivery, and invoice management, while our workflows incorporate CAT tools, QA tools, and AI/MT where appropriate. Human linguistic expertise remains an essential part of our quality process. Why work with us? This is a flexible, project-based opportunity rather than a full-time commitment. As a Language Lead, you can take on assignments that match your expertise and availability while contributing to game localization projects for international clients. For experienced game linguists, this is also an opportunity to move beyond translation into higher-level work such as linguist assessment, culturalization, training, quality ownership, and linguistic decision-making. What can you expect?

• Flexible, remote, project-based collaboration
• Opportunities to work on game localization projects across different genres
• Direct involvement in linguist assessment, culturalization, and quality decisions
• Structured workflows supported by localization technology
• Collaboration with an international localization team
• Paid tests for shortlisted candidates who complete the assessment successfully

If you enjoy solving linguistic and cultural challenges in games and want to contribute at a broader level than translation alone, we'd be happy to hear from you.

What are you working on?

• The name of the project(s): International Game Localization Projects
• At what stage of the project(s)? Ongoing localization projects and upcoming game projects
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Role-playing, Strategy, Casual, Card and/or Board, Simulation
• Platforms: PC, Mobile, Console

Team size and structure?

International localization team including Project Managers, Language Leads, linguists, editors, and QA specialists. Team structure varies by project.

For which tasks (responsibilities)?

• Assess and evaluate game translators, editors, and LQA linguists.
• Design game translation tests and scoring criteria for linguist assessment.
• Review game localization content for linguistic quality, consistency, tone, and cultural appropriateness.
• Provide culturalization recommendations for the Japanese market, including game text, names, visuals, lore, and player-facing content.
• Act as a linguistic escalation point and final reviewer for assigned projects.
• Create and maintain style guides, glossaries, error catalogues, and other training materials.
• Provide structured feedback and guidance to linguists.
• Support in-context LQA and investigate linguistic issues when required.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and linguists to resolve linguistic and cultural issues.

What kind of professional are we looking for?

• Native-level Japanese with excellent English proficiency for communicating with international project teams and reviewing English source content.
• 7+ years of professional experience in game localization, including translation, editing, LQA, or linguistic lead roles.
• Proven experience working on game localization projects across genres such as RPG, strategy, MOBA, FPS, card, simulation, or casual games.
• Strong understanding of Japanese gaming culture and culturalization requirements for the Japanese market.
• Experience evaluating translators, editors, or LQA linguists and providing structured, actionable feedback.
• Strong knowledge of game localization workflows, linguistic QA, terminology management, and style-guide compliance.
• Proficiency with CAT and QA tools such as Trados, memoQ, Xbench, or similar tools.
• Ability to identify linguistic, cultural, and contextual issues and propose appropriate solutions.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently in a remote, project-based environment.

Nice to have:

• Experience creating style guides, glossaries, training materials, or error catalogues.
• Experience mentoring linguists or leading localization teams.
• Experience working with AI/MT-assisted localization workflows.
• Experience with in-context review and game LQA.

What is important for us in a person?

• Clear and professional communication with Project Managers, linguists, and other team members.
• Ability to give and receive constructive, evidence-based feedback.
• Strong attention to detail and a quality-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and meet agreed deadlines.
• Strong sense of responsibility and ownership of assigned tasks.
• Open-minded and collaborative approach to resolving linguistic and cultural issues.
• Willingness to learn, adapt to new workflows, and stay updated on game localization trends.
• Ability to communicate complex linguistic or cultural issues clearly and provide practical solutions.

Why do we enjoy working here?

• Flexible, remote, project-based collaboration that allows you to choose assignments that fit your availability and expertise.
• Opportunities to work on international game localization projects across different genres and platforms.
• The opportunity to contribute beyond translation through linguist assessment, culturalization, quality decisions, and training.
• Collaboration with experienced Project Managers, linguists, and localization professionals from different markets.
• The opportunity to influence Japanese localization quality and help shape culturally appropriate player experiences.
• Exposure to structured localization workflows and technology-supported processes.
• Opportunities to expand your professional experience in game localization and linguistic leadership.
• Constructive, project-based feedback and collaboration with the GTE team.

What are the conditions and bonuses?

• Remote work: Fully remote, with no relocation required.
• Flexible schedule: Work is project-based, allowing you to accept assignments that fit your availability.
• Flexible workload: As a freelance Language Lead, you can choose projects based on your expertise and schedule.
• International collaboration: Work with an international localization team and linguists across different markets.
• Project-based compensation: Payment is based on the agreed hourly rate and completed assignments.
• Professional exposure: Opportunities to work on international game localization projects and contribute to linguistic quality, culturalization, and linguist development.
• No fixed office requirement: There is no requirement to work from a GTE office.

The selection process

• Application review: We will review your CV, game localization experience, game titles/genres, and expected hourly rate.
• Initial screening: Shortlisted candidates may be contacted by the GTE Vendor/Recruitment team for a brief discussion about their experience and availability.
• Test task: Shortlisted candidates will complete a game localization assessment of approximately 2–3 hours, covering translation, translation review, and culturalization.
• Test compensation: Candidates who pass the assessment will be paid for the test at the agreed hourly rate and added to our freelance Language Lead pool.
• Decision: We aim to provide feedback and next steps after the assessment as soon as the review process is completed.
• Cover letter: Please briefly highlight your game localization experience, Japanese market/culturalization expertise, Language Lead or linguist assessment experience, and relevant game genres/projects.

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