FAQ / the questions before the questions
You got questions?
I got answers.
The useful kind: costs, timelines, tools, testing, languages and what happens when your source text arrives five minutes before build lock.
How much do you charge?
Every game is different. Volume, deadline, file format, repetitions, subject matter and whether you need translation, editing or LQA all affect the final scope. Send me the files and I’ll prepare a clear, no-obligation estimate.
How fast can you deliver?
That depends on volume and complexity. I’ll give you a realistic delivery date before we start, and if the schedule is tight I’ll tell you what can be done safely rather than promising magic and hoping nobody notices.
Do you only work on video games?
Games are the main event. I also work with game-related marketing, websites, store pages, community content and other software/IT material where game-localization experience is useful.
Do you offer interpreting?
No — I focus on written localization rather than conference or live interpreting.
What file formats and tools do you work with?
CAT tools, online localization platforms and the usual mix of spreadsheets, XML, JSON, CSV, PO-style files and proprietary exports. If your format is unusual, send a sample. I have seen some things.
Can you work inside our localization platform?
Usually, yes. I regularly work in client platforms and established localization workflows rather than insisting everything be exported into my preferred format.
Can you edit or review another translator’s work?
Absolutely. Editing and review are a major part of my work. I can follow an existing style guide/TM or help establish one if the project needs stronger language ownership.
Do you do in-game LQA?
Yes. That includes context errors, UI overflow, variables, gender/number issues, terminology, awkward strings that looked fine in the spreadsheet and the occasional character walking through a boat.
What happens after delivery?
Games keep changing. I’m happy to answer reasonable follow-up questions, handle updates and continue supporting the project after the first delivery.
Can you help with more than Russian?
Yes. Russian is my own language pair, but for multilingual launches I can help assemble and coordinate a team of experienced game-localization colleagues across multiple languages.
Can you sign an NDA or work with unreleased games?
Of course. Unreleased content, confidential builds and client-specific security requirements are normal parts of game localization.
How do payment and invoicing work?
The estimate lays out scope, price and payment terms before work begins. Invoices and project paperwork stay straightforward, and returning-client workflows can be adapted to ongoing updates.
Didn’t see yours?
Send me the odd question.
The more context you give me, the more useful the answer will be.
