Hollow Knight: Silksong downgraded to 'Mixed' Steam review status by Chinese players due to confounding poor translation; developers pledge to enhance it
In the gaming world, the Chinese localization of Hollow Knight: Silksong has become a topic of much discussion. The localization team for this highly anticipated sequel consisted of just two members, a stark contrast to the six-person team that worked on the original game.
One of the Chinese translators, initially thought by some to be a hoax, goes by the name "Hertzzz." Despite initial scepticism, Hertzzz has shared details about the game, and a user named "Infinite-Lake-7523" has even shared a screenshot of a Q&A on the Chinese site Tieba from Hertzzz.
However, the quality of the Chinese translation has been a point of contention. About 11,800 of the 16,000 negative reviews worldwide are in Simplified Chinese, and the localization has been compared to a Wuxia novel, according to Tiger Tang. This comparison, while intended as a compliment in some contexts, seems to miss the mark for the game's tone.
The translator responsible for the Chinese localization has been criticised for their style, which some have described as breaking their Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and writing like a "dead poet." This translator's work has caused significant criticism and poor reviews in the Chinese community.
Hertzz Liu, one of the two translators for the Chinese localization, has been leaking details about the game on social media. This has added fuel to the fire, with some players expressing frustration at the ongoing leaks.
Kotaku cited criticism from translation expert Loek van Kooten, who compared the Chinese dialogue to "a high-school drama club's Elizabethan improv night." The game's publishing and marketing lead, Matthew Griffin, has acknowledged the quality issues with the current Simplified Chinese translation.
Despite the issues, Team Cherry has promised to work on the Chinese localization of Hollow Knight: Silksong. However, they have not yet committed to an entirely new Chinese localization, which some players are hoping for.
The controversy surrounding the Chinese localization of Hollow Knight: Silksong has been extensive and structural, leading to significant criticism from the gaming community. The overall 80% "Very Positive" rating for the game is based on over 80,000 reviews worldwide, but the Chinese reviews paint a different picture.
Tiger Tang, who led the Chinese localization of 2020 RPG Omori, stated that the main issues in Silksong's localization are creative, not grammatical. This suggests that the problems run deeper than just poor translation and extend to the game's tone and style.
As Team Cherry continues to work on the Chinese localization, players will be watching closely to see if the issues will be addressed and the game's tone accurately conveyed to Chinese-speaking audiences.
Read also:
- Impact of Alcohol on the Human Body: Nine Aspects of Health Alteration Due to Alcohol Consumption
- Understanding the Concept of Obesity
- Tough choices on August 13, 2025 for those born under Aquarius? Consider the advantages and disadvantages to gain guidance
- Microbiome's Impact on Emotional States, Judgement, and Mental Health Conditions
