Freelance Language Lead

What are you working on?
The name of the project(s): International Game Localization Projects
At what stage of the project(s)? Ongoing localization projects and upcoming game projects
Genres: Action, Adventure, Role-playing, Strategy, Casual, Card and/or Board, Simulation
Platforms: PC, Mobile, Console
Who are we?
GTE Localize is a global localization provider with 9+ years of experience. Founded in Vietnam, we have expanded to four offices across Vietnam, Singapore, the US, and the UK. Today, we work with 2,000+ native linguists and support clients across 100 languages and multiple industries.
What kind of projects do we work on?
Our localization work covers a wide range of content, including games, software, marketing, finance, life sciences, and other specialized fields. In game localization, our work includes in-game text, UI, dialogue, events, and promotional content, with workflows designed to support frequent updates and live content releases.
What makes us different?
We combine experienced linguists with technology and structured localization workflows. Our proprietary G-One system supports project management, freelancer job delivery, and invoice management, while our workflows incorporate CAT tools, QA tools, and AI/MT where appropriate. Human linguistic expertise remains an essential part of our quality process.
Why work with us?
This is a flexible, project-based opportunity rather than a full-time commitment. As a Language Lead, you can take on assignments that match your expertise and availability while contributing to game localization projects for international clients.
For experienced game linguists, this is also an opportunity to move beyond translation into higher-level work such as linguist assessment, culturalization, training, quality ownership, and linguistic decision-making.
What can you expect?
Flexible, remote, project-based collaboration
Opportunities to work on game localization projects across different genres
Direct involvement in linguist assessment, culturalization, and quality decisions
Structured workflows supported by localization technology
Collaboration with an international localization team
Paid tests for shortlisted candidates who complete the assessment successfully
If you enjoy solving linguistic and cultural challenges in games and want to contribute at a broader level than translation alone, we'd be happy to hear from you.
Team size and structure?
International localization team including Project Managers, Language Leads, linguists, editors, and QA specialists. Team structure varies by project.
For which tasks (responsibilities)?
Assess and evaluate game translators, editors, and LQA linguists.
Design game translation tests and scoring criteria for linguist assessment.
Review game localization content for linguistic quality, consistency, tone, and cultural appropriateness.
Provide culturalization recommendations for the Japanese market, including game text, names, visuals, lore, and player-facing content.
Act as a linguistic escalation point and final reviewer for assigned projects.
Create and maintain style guides, glossaries, error catalogues, and other training materials.
Provide structured feedback and guidance to linguists.
Support in-context LQA and investigate linguistic issues when required.
Collaborate with Project Managers and linguists to resolve linguistic and cultural issues.
What kind of professional are we looking for?
Native-level Japanese with excellent English proficiency for communicating with international project teams and reviewing English source content.
7+ years of professional experience in game localization, including translation, editing, LQA, or linguistic lead roles.
Proven experience working on game localization projects across genres such as RPG, strategy, MOBA, FPS, card, simulation, or casual games.
Strong understanding of Japanese gaming culture and culturalization requirements for the Japanese market.
Experience evaluating translators, editors, or LQA linguists and providing structured, actionable feedback.
Strong knowledge of game localization workflows, linguistic QA, terminology management, and style-guide compliance.
Proficiency with CAT and QA tools such as Trados, memoQ, Xbench, or similar tools.
Ability to identify linguistic, cultural, and contextual issues and propose appropriate solutions.
Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently in a remote, project-based environment.
Nice to have:
Experience creating style guides, glossaries, training materials, or error catalogues.
Experience mentoring linguists or leading localization teams.
Experience working with AI/MT-assisted localization workflows.
Experience with in-context review and game LQA.
What is important for us in a person?
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