At the Heart of the Mothercrystal: Final Fantasy XIV’s Approach to Localization and Lore as a Virtual Contact Zone
Keywords:
localization, Final Fantasy XIV, MMORPG, virtual worlds, contact zoneAbstract
Virtual worlds, and MMORPGs in particular, rely on players having a shared knowledge of mechanics, features, lore, and narrative within their virtual worlds. In examining the localization practices of a specific MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV (2013-Present), this paper argues that virtual worlds utilize localization in order to construct a virtual contact zone, an extension of Pratt's conception. In addition, localization allows players from various linguistic backgrounds to have a shared sense of understanding of the world through narrative elements, specifically worldbuilding and story elements usually classified as lore. This understanding extends to not only the space within the virtual world, but any narrative that is tied to the world, such as is the case is many MMORPGs
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