Surf Wiki
Save to docs
geography/japan

From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

8-4

Video game company

Video game company

FieldValue
name8-4, Ltd.
native_name有限会社ハチノヨン
native_name_langja
romanized_nameYūgen Gaisha Hachi no Yon
logo8-4, Ltd. logo.svg
typePrivate
key_people
industryVideo games
servicesVideo game localization, Video game publisher
foundation
founder
locationShibuya, Tokyo, Japan
homepage
fetchwikidataALL
Note

the video game localization company

8-4, Ltd. is a Japanese video game localization company based in Shibuya, Tokyo. The company was founded in 2005 by Hiroko Minamoto and former Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) editor John Ricciardi. They were joined by Ricciardi's EGM colleague Mark MacDonald in 2008, who departed in 2016 to work as VP, Production of Business and Development at Enhance Games. It performs Japanese-to-English and English-to-Japanese translation and localization on a contract basis with credits including Monster Hunter, Nier, Dragon Quest, Fire Emblem, Tales*, Undertale *and more. The company is named after the final level of the original Super Mario Bros., where Mario defeats Bowser and rescues Princess Peach for the very first time.

Translation

8-4 generally gets involved in the localization process midway through a game's development, gaining access to a build of the game and script. Occasionally, they are invited to participate throughout the development cycle, as with the case of Shadows of the Damned. As publishers increasingly push for simultaneous worldwide release, they have noted earlier and earlier involvement in projects. In the first step of the process, they familiarize themselves with the game and others in its series by playing through them multiple times and taking notes. To perform the actual translation, they use large Microsoft Excel spreadsheets containing the script in both Japanese and English. In addition to word translation, they suggest changes to make the game more accessible to Western audiences. For example, in Glory of Heracles, they recommended that the battle speed be tripled in order to make fighting more exciting.

The team cites Richard Honeywood, founder of Square's localization department, as an influence on their translation style. Beyond merely translating the words, 8-4 attempts to convey the same experience as that of the original language version through attention to tone, user interface, and cultural references. Because of their text-heavy nature, most of 8-4's contracts are for role-playing video games such as Eternal Sonata, Tales of Vesperia, and Star Ocean: The Last Hope, which are beyond the capabilities of in-house translation teams. In translating Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation, they inherited Honeywood's Dragon Quest style guide to aid them in keeping consistency between games. Speaking of their favorite projects, they look to games like Baten Kaitos Origins where the developers allowed them to take over every aspect of localization including script, debugging, quality assurance, and voice production. In 2022, 8-4 provided the translation for Masahiro Sakurai's YouTube web series, "Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games".

Games

YearGameClientNotes
2005Mario Tennis: Power TourNintendoJapanese-to-English
2006Warship Gunner 2KoeiJapanese-to-English
2006Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach ZarathustraNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2006Baten Kaitos OriginsNintendoJapanese-to-English
2006Tales of the AbyssNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2006GunpeyQ EntertainmentJapanese-to-English
2006Gunpey DSQ EntertainmentJapanese-to-English
2006Every Extend ExtraQ EntertainmentJapanese-to-English
2007Rogue GalaxySony Computer EntertainmentJapanese-to-English
2007Lunar KnightsKojima ProductionsJapanese-to-English
2007Tales of the World: Radiant MythologyNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2007Brave Story: New TravelerXSEED GamesJapanese-to-English
2007Jeanne d'ArcSony Computer EntertainmentJapanese-to-English
2007Wild ARMs 5XSEED GamesJapanese-to-English
2007Eternal Sonata (Xbox 360)Namco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2008Ape QuestSony Computer EntertainmentJapanese-to-English
2008Culdcept SagaNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2008Wild ARMs XFXSEED GamesJapanese-to-English
2008Soulcalibur IVNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2008Tales of VesperiaNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2008Eternal Sonata (PS3)Namco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2008Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New WorldNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2008Castlevania JudgmentKonamiJapanese-to-English
2008Imagine: Ballet StarUbisoftJapanese-to-English
2009Tenchu: Shadow Assassins (Wii)UbisoftJapanese-to-English
2009Fire Emblem: Shadow DragonNintendoJapanese-to-English
2009Star Ocean: The Last HopeSquare EnixJapanese-to-English
2009Tenchu: Shadow Assassins (PSP)UbisoftJapanese-to-English
2009Imagine: Makeup ArtistUbisoftJapanese-to-English
2009Soulcalibur: Broken DestinyNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2009Katamari ForeverNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2009Undead KnightsTecmoJapanese-to-English
2009Petz Hamsterz BunchUbisoftJapanese-to-English
2009Tekken 6Namco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2010Glory of HeraclesNintendoJapanese-to-English
2010White Knight Chronicles InternationalSony Computer EntertainmentJapanese-to-English
2010Star Ocean: The Last Hope InternationalSquare EnixJapanese-to-English
2010Super Monkey Ball: Step & RollSegaJapanese-to-English
2010The Eye of Judgment: LegendsSony Computer EntertainmentJapanese-to-English
2010NierSquare EnixJapanese-to-English
2010Monster Hunter TriCapcomJapanese-to-English
2010Castlevania: Harmony of DespairKonamiJapanese-to-English
2010Adrenalin MisfitsKonamiJapanese-to-English
2010Echochrome IISony Computer EntertainmentJapanese-to-English
2011Dragon Quest VI: Realms of RevelationNintendoJapanese-to-English
2011Dead or Alive: DimensionsTecmo KoeiJapanese-to-English
2011Shadows of the DamnedGrasshopper ManufactureJapanese-to-English, English-to-Japanese
2011Disney Epic MickeyDisney Interactive StudiosEnglish-to-Japanese
2011Wind-up KnightRobot InvaderEnglish-to-Japanese
2011Zoo Resort 3DUbisoftJapanese-to-English
2011AquariaSemi Secret SoftwareEnglish-to-Japanese
2011The Black Eyed Peas ExperienceUbisoftEnglish Writing
2011Otomedius ExcellentKonamiJapanese-to-English
2011Fossil Fighters: ChampionsNintendoJapanese-to-English
2012Tales of Graces fNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2012Soulcalibur VNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English DLC translation
2012Tales of the AbyssNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2012Touch My KatamariNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2012SkullgirlsReverge LabsInter-Office Communication
2012Dragon's DogmaCapcomJapanese-to-English
2012Gravity RushSony Computer EntertainmentEnglish Editing
2012Steel Battalion: Heavy ArmorCapcomJapanese-to-English
2012Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EPCapybara GamesEnglish-to-Japanese, promotion, marketing
2013Rise of the BlobsRobot InvaderEnglish-to-Japanese
2013Skulls of the Shogun17-BITEnglish Writing, English-to-FIGSPCJKR
2013Fire Emblem AwakeningNintendoJapanese-to-English
2013Metal Gear Rising: RevengeanceKonamiJapanese-to-English
2013Monster Hunter 3 UltimateCapcomJapanese-to-English
2013Tales of XilliaNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2013Hay DaySupercellEnglish-to-Japanese, Consulting
2013RépubliqueCamouflaj LLCEnglish-to-FGS
2014Boom BeachSupercellEnglish-to-Japanese
2014Drakengard 3Square EnixJapanese-to-English
2014Threes!SirvoEnglish-to-FGJ
2014Wind-up Knight 2Robot InvaderEnglish-to-Japanese
2014Azure Striker GunvoltInti CreatesJapanese-to-English
2014Tales of Hearts RNamco Bandai GamesJapanese-to-English
2015Rogue LegacyCellar Door GamesJapanese publisher
2015Neko AtsumeHit-PointJapanese-to-English
2015Xenoblade Chronicles XNintendoJapanese-to-English
2016Super Time Force UltraCapybara GamesEnglish-to-Japanese
2016Mighty No. 9ComceptJapanese-to-English, Consulting, community management, public relations
2016Shovel KnightYacht Club GamesEnglish-to-Japanese
2016Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic GamesSegaJapanese-to-English
2016Gotta ProtectorsAncientJapanese-to-English
2016Azure Striker Gunvolt 2Inti CreatesJapanese-to-English
2017Nier: AutomataSquare EnixJapanese-to-English
2017Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of ValentiaNintendoJapanese-to-English
2017UndertaleToby FoxEnglish-to-Japanese, console ports, console publishing
2017Egglia: Legend of the RedcapDMM.comJapanese-to-English
2017Style Savvy: Styling StarNintendoJapanese-to-English
2018Monster Hunter: WorldCapcomEnglish translation support
2018FirewatchCampo SantoEnglish-to-Japanese
2018Slime RancherMonomi ParkEnglish-to-Japanese
2018Dragalia LostNintendoJapanese-to-English
2018Return of the Obra Dinn3909 LLCEnglish-to-Japanese
2018Deltarune: Chapter 1Toby FoxEnglish-to-Japanese, console ports, console publishing
2019Bloodstained: Ritual of the NightArtPlayJapanese-to-English
2019CelesteExtremely OK GamesEnglish-to-Japanese
2019SaGa: Scarlet Grace - AmbitionsSquare EnixJapanese-to-English
2020Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash!GroundingJapanese-to-English
2020Tales of CrestoriaBandai Namco EntertainmentJapanese-to-English
2021Little Nightmares IIBandai Namco EntertainmentEnglish-to-Japanese
2021Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139...Square EnixJapanese-to-English
2021HadesSupergiant GamesEnglish-to-Japanese
2021Nier ReincarnationSquare EnixJapanese-to-English
2021SpelunkyMossmouthEnglish-to-Japanese
2021Spelunky 2MossmouthEnglish-to-Japanese
2021Deltarune: Chapter 2Toby FoxEnglish-to-Japanese, console ports, console publishing
2021IkenfellHappy Star GamesEnglish-to-Japanese
2021Jett: The Far ShoreSuperbrothersEnglish-to-Japanese, English-to-German
2022Disney Twisted-WonderlandAniplex of AmericaJapanese-to-English
2022Gotta Protectors: Cart of DarknessAncientJapanese-to-English, North American and European publishing
2022Fire Emblem Warriors: Three HopesNintendoJapanese-to-English
2023Out ZoneBitwave GamesEnglish-to-Japanese
2023TruxtonBitwave GamesEnglish-to-Japanese
2023Twin CobraBitwave GamesEnglish-to-Japanese
2023Zero WingBitwave GamesEnglish-to-Japanese
2024Unicorn OverlordSegaJapanese-to-English
2024Bō: Path of the Teal LotusSquid Shock StudiosEnglish-to-Japanese
2025EarthionAncientJapanese-to-English, English-to-Japanese
2025Deltarune: Chapters 3 and 4Toby FoxEnglish-to-Japanese, console ports, console publishing
2025UFO 50MossmouthEnglish-to-Japanese

Podcast

8-4 hosts a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to "Japan, video games, and Japanese video games", known as 8-4 Play. The main hosts include Mark MacDonald, John Ricciardi, Tina Carter, and Gabriel Deleone. Former hosts include Sarah Podzorski (now of MinnMax) and Justin Epperson. Being located in Tokyo, 8-4 has the opportunity to attend and share news about many Japanese video game industry events such as Tokyo Game Show, Capcom's Captivate, and Grasshopper Manufacture's Hoppers. As 1UP.com and EGM alumni, they maintain many of their video game journalism connections including James Mielke (now of Q Entertainment), Shane Bettenhausen (Ignition Entertainment), and David Abrams (Cheap Ass Gamer), who make regular appearances as guests on the show. They also occasionally have prominent designers as guests such as Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Akira Yamaoka. Since 2012, episodes of the podcast have been hosted on Giant Bomb. Following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, 8-4 was involved in both Grasshopper Manufacture's Grasstream 2 charity event and Play For Japan: The Album, headed by Akira Yamaoka.

References

References

  1. (2005-10-05). "About « 8-4". 8-4.
  2. "8-4 | Gameography". 8-4.
  3. Akibatteru. (2010-11-09). "Akibatteru アキバってる - Taipei Comic Fair, Game localization and Tokyo Anime Fair". [[YouTube]].
  4. Robson, Daniel. (2011-06-29). "Local heroes take Japanese video games to the world | The Japan Times Online". [[The Japan Times]].
  5. Ashcraft, Brian. (2010-11-02). "Found In Translation". [[Kotaku]].
  6. (2011-04-23). "8-4 Play 4/22/2011: PROJECT CAFÉ OLÉ « 8-4". 8-4.
  7. Ashcraft, Brian. (2010-11-03). "The Surprising Ways Japanese Games Are Changed For Americans". Kotaku.
  8. Nutt, Christian. (2008-12-11). "News - Interview: 8-4 & The New Potential For Game Localization". [[Gamasutra]].
  9. Shoemaker, Brad. (2008-10-17). "Giant Bomb Visits 8-4". [[Giant Bomb]].
  10. Sakurai, Masahiro. "YouTube Community Post".
  11. Byford, Sam. (30 October 2015). "Cute cult cat-collecting app Neko Atsume is finally in English". [[The Verge]].
  12. [https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/637339083145105408 Nintendo of America]. ''[[Twitter]].'' 2015-08-28. Retrieved on 2015-08-29.
  13. [https://twitter.com/markmacd/status/705522441926213632]. ''[[Twitter]].'' 2016-03-03. Retrieved on 2016-03-03.
  14. (29 July 2016). "If you're lookin for a fun new game to play, Gotta Protectors just hit the eShop today. An 8-4 joint, too!".
  15. (4 July 2016). "NieR: Automata hands-on preview – 'I wanted to create a game where players would feel something'".
  16. "John Ricciardi on Twitter". Twitter.
  17. (8 August 2017). "Breaking Down Borders: Undertale's Journey to Japan and Back". Sony Interactive Entertainment America.
  18. (2019-02-14). "aw yes! now that it's been announced I can finally share that I'm handling both the Switch and PS4 ports of Deltarune (´∇｀) (enlisted by 8-4, naturally)".
  19. (September 23, 2021). "魔法学園RPG『Ikenfell』の日本語版が配信決定。問題児の生徒6人が闇の真実を解き明かすため、校内を探索し怪物や教師たちと戦う".
  20. (2011-06-17). "8-4 Play 6/17/2011: CHILD OF MIZUGUCHI « 8-4". 8-4.
  21. (2011-01-07). "8-4 Play 7/15/2011: ¡QUE MAGNIFICO! « 8-4". 8-4.
  22. (2012-04-20). "8-4 Play 4/20/2012: S2E01". 8-4.
Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

software-companies-based-in-tokyo video-game-companies-established-in-2005 video-game-companies-of-japan video-game-development-companies video-game-podcasts japanese-companies-established-in-2005 2006-podcast-debuts audio-podcasts
Want to explore this topic further?

Ask Mako anything about 8-4 — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.

Research with Mako

Free with your Surf account

Content sourced from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.

Report