Introduce yourself: What do you do at Gameforge and how long have you been part of the Localisation Management team?

My name is Elisabeth and I’ve been working for Gameforge for nearly 10 years. My current position is a Senior Localisation Manager, but I originally started out as a Polish translator.

Describe your typical working day.

When I get to work, the first thing I do is read my emails to find out what new tasks have arrived and which translations are already finished. Each of us receives tickets with translation tasks for documents and game updates for various different games. I’m in charge of SoulWorker, among other projects. When it comes to new tasks, I check to ensure that everything is proper and correct, and talk to the Live Producer if there are any unresolved issues. Once any potential issues have been cleared up and everything is prepared – meaning things like acquiring additional information, creating references or inserting length restrictions – then I set the imports into our CAT tool in motion. We work with the translation software memoQ, which offers a lot of advantages for localisation management, as well as being an indispensable tool for the translators.
A lot happens over the course of a regular day. We take part in meetings, both of the sit-down and stand-up variety. We work on documentation for our individual games to ensure the translators can more easily understand the games and translate the texts. We also collaborate with translation studios and act as points of contact for their questions and problems. It’s a really varied and interesting job, with no opportunity for getting bored.

What are your three most common tasks at work?

Gathering information, editing tickets, coordinating translations.

What is the most enjoyable thing about being a Localisation Manager?

The tasks are so varied that the job itself is a whole lot of fun. But finding the solutions to questions and problems, and communicating with the various team members, is what brings me the most pleasure personally.

What makes you and your position indispensable for Gameforge?

We’re the gatekeepers for the translators – all the translation tickets wind up on our desks, and until we approve them, the translators don’t get any work. Basically, we lay the groundwork and ensure that we get all the information necessary for the job by staying in contact with Gameforge’s various teams.

What made you decide to become a Localisation Manager?

Because it’s a really interesting job with never a dull moment. You get a great view of the inner workings behind the scenes.

Which three words describe the collaboration in your team?

Communication, since we work together and talk about our tasks and experiences on a daily basis. Support, because we help one another and are always there for each other. Fun, because we enjoy working together and love what we do.

What qualities does an applicant need to have to be successful in your department, both in terms of the job and in terms of the team?

It’s extremely important that an applicant shows good management qualities and organisational skills, so they can prioritise and manage all the tasks properly. Sometimes everything happens all at once, and you need to know how to focus on what’s most important. Self-management and time management are also important, but you need to be open and capable of working in a team, since we collaborate with lots of different teams in our line of work.

In your opinion, what makes Gameforge special as an employer?

The fact that our values are truly part of life at Gameforge. Each of us works independently, and yet at the same time together as one. Each of us takes responsibility for their work. The working hours are flexible, and the company’s policies are transparent. Gameforge also cares about the well-being of its employees. Everything is provided for us, be it tea, coffee, fruit and veg, through to yoghurt and muesli. And that’s not to mention our company events, such as the legendary summer and Christmas parties, or our joint cinema trips.

What do you wish for Gameforge’s future?

I’d like to see Gameforge’s latest titles become huge successes, and for the company to continue on its successful path.

What games are you privately interested in most?

I’m your typical MMORPG player. One of the games I play at the moment is Guild Wars 2. But I also played AION and 4Story right from the beginning. 4Story was my gateway into the world of RPGs.

And now for an inside story. What is your personal highlight at Gameforge?

That would have to be the first time we all flew to Spain together and I was allowed to fly in business class!

Why do you like working in Karlsruhe and what’s your favourite location here?

I love working in Karlsruhe. It’s at once a big city, yet with a small-town feel. Everything is nearby and you’re never far from the city centre. And best of all, Karlsruhe is a city for cyclists. It’s often quicker to get around by bike than by car. My favourite place is the Oberwald with its wildlife park. Walking around the park always gives me a breath of fresh air and a chance to rejuvenate. Plus the Oberwald is also great for mountain bikers.

What are you interested in outside of work?

I’m a keen mountain biker and usually get out onto single tracks a few times a week. I also read a lot and enjoy working in the garden. Another hobby is nature and wildlife photography.

What do you still want to achieve in life?

I couldn’t name any specific goal in life. I just want to continue being successful and being happy with life.

Imagine Gameforge were a party. What would your responsibilities be before, during and/or after the party?

I’d be the one helping to organise everything and getting all the necessary information. The manager’s dream.

On a scale of 1 to 10 – how crazy are you?

I’m fairly down-to-earth, but I’d rate myself about a 7. Being just a little bit crazy is never a disadvantage around here.