Upcoming Release: Faster Translations for Trails and Ys

NIS America is committed to accelerating the Western release of Falcom's acclaimed Trails and Ys RPG series. This article explores the publisher's efforts to expedite localization.

NIS America Speeds Up Localization of Trails and Ys Games

Faster Releases for Western Fans

Fans of Japanese RPGs have reason to celebrate! During the recent Ys X: Nordics digital showcase, NIS America's Senior Associate Producer, Alan Costa, announced a renewed focus on faster localization for the popular Trails and Ys franchises.

While Costa remained tight-lipped about specific internal changes, he confirmed a concerted effort to reduce localization times, citing the upcoming releases of Ys X: Nordics (October) and Trails Through Daybreak II (early 2025) as examples. The latter's early 2025 release, despite its September 2022 Japanese launch, represents a significant improvement over previous release schedules.

Historically, Western fans endured lengthy waits. Trails in the Sky, initially released in Japan in 2004, didn't reach the West until 2011 (PSP version, published by XSEED Games). Titles like Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure took an even longer twelve years.

The challenges were highlighted in a 2011 blog post by former XSEED Games Localization Manager, Jessica Chavez, who described the immense workload of translating millions of characters with a small team as a major bottleneck.

While NIS America aims for faster releases, quality remains paramount. Costa emphasized the balance between speed and accuracy, stating that they strive for quicker releases without compromising localization quality.

The inherent complexities of localizing games with vast amounts of text are undeniable. The one-year delay of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana due to translation issues serves as a cautionary tale. However, NIS America appears to be successfully navigating this challenge, prioritizing both speed and accuracy.

The recent launch of Trails Through Daybreak suggests a positive shift, demonstrating NIS America's capacity to deliver high-quality localizations more efficiently. The game's positive reception bodes well for future releases.

Read our review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak for a more in-depth look!