Loekalization Blog

Let’s get this out of the way right now: 1.5 million words. That’s how much I’ve translated for Real Racing 3 since 2013. That’s more words than most people would ever want to hear about the inner workings of a car engine. But I’ve been doing it for 12 years, never missing a beat (or a gear shift, if we’re talking cars). In fact, I’ve been at the wheel since the very start, and I’m still racing ahead, faster than ever.

If you’ve ever played Real Racing 3 in Dutch, you’ve been enjoying my work. From the engine revs to the epic rivalries and snappy one-liners, I’ve made sure every high-speed moment in this game feels as intense in Dutch as it does in English. So, let’s take a look at just how much turbo-charged fun I’ve had along the way.

The Need for Speed… and Translation
It all started back in February 2013 when Real Racing 3 first hit the market. Since then, I’ve been there through every car model, every race event, and every update. You know how people say they “live and breathe” something? Well, I’ve been living and breathing Real Racing 3 for 12 years. That’s a lot of words to work with. A lot of fast-paced racing lingo, tense rivalries (Magnus, I’m looking at you), and, of course, the car names. Don’t even get me started on how many ways I’ve translated the word “boost” (spoiler alert: it’s a lot).

Now, let’s be clear: translating for a game like Real Racing 3 isn’t just about swapping English words for Dutch. Oh no—this is high-stakes, high-speed translation. Every word has to feel like a race, every line has to rev up excitement. From the moment you start your first lap to the moment you cross the finish line, it’s my words getting you there. Every. Single. Time.

Let’s Be Real About Terminology
And let’s not pretend it’s all fun and fast cars—sometimes, the real challenge isn’t the speed or the style, but the terminology. Ever tried translating “electrohydraulic limited-slip differential” without sounding like a malfunctioning espresso machine? I have. It became elektrohydraulisch sperdifferentieel, and yes, it still sounds intimidating—but now it’s intimidating in Dutch.

I’ve spent years navigating the most nightmarish corners of automotive jargon. From dubbele draagarmophanging to turbocompressor met variabele geometrie, I’ve localized the kind of language that even engineers argue about at lunch. It’s not just about getting the terms technically right—it’s about making sure they actually mean something to the players who see them on-screen for two seconds and expect instant clarity.

That’s what translation at this level requires: deep domain knowledge, sharp intuition, and enough stubbornness to wrestle koolstof-keramische remschijven into a UI-friendly string.

Cattitude: My Personal CAT Tool That’s Faster Than the Speed of Light (And a Little Bit of Sass)
Now, here’s where things get even juicier: Cattitude. No, it’s not a typo, and it’s not the name of my favorite café (though I do frequent some with excellent Wi-Fi). Cattitude is my very own, homegrown CAT tool, and let me tell you, it’s faster, more efficient, and more reliable than any tool out there—whether they’re built by big teams with hundreds of people or not. I developed Cattitude specifically to handle long-term, large-scale projects like this, and it’s been a game-changer.

While some other CAT tools are busy playing catch-up with all their fancy “features,” Cattitude just gets it done. It’s quick, it’s precise, and it doesn’t slow down no matter how many words come through the pipeline. After all, when you’re working with 1.5 million words over 12 years, you need a tool that can keep pace with your work ethic—and Cattitude is my trusty sidekick in this crazy race.

Never Missing a Beat Since 2013
It’s not just about the tool, though. It’s about reliability. I’ve been translating for Real Racing 3 since day one, and I’m still at it in 2025, without missing a single update. You won’t find me slacking off, and you sure as hell won’t find me taking a pit stop. For 12 years, I’ve been racing ahead, maintaining consistency, and making sure that every update feels as smooth as the latest tire technology.

Through updates, new cars, new tracks, and new challenges, I’ve kept up the same level of quality and excitement in the Dutch version as in the original. That’s not something you get with a quick freelance gig or someone who’s just dipping in for a project. No, I’ve been here from the start, and I’ll be here until the end, ensuring that every line stays on track.

The UI Struggles Beyond My Control
But, here’s the kicker: there are still some UI issues. And no, it’s not my fault (though honestly, who wouldn’t want to blame me for everything?). Here’s the deal: despite my best efforts, sometimes old, outdated translations linger in the game like that one person who never leaves the party. And, to top it off, some texts get chopped off at the last minute by developers who don’t speak Dutch, leaving us with strange abbreviations that make no sense—like trying to read a novel written by a cat on a keyboard. These are things I can’t control, no matter how many times I curse my screen in frustration. Trust me, I’d love to fix them, but sometimes I’m just along for the ride as much as you are.

Results: 12 Years, 1.5 Million Words, and Zero Regrets
If there’s one thing that speaks louder than words, it’s results. The success of Real Racing 3 in the Dutch-speaking market speaks for itself. Dutch players have been racing with the same energy and excitement as players anywhere else, thanks to a translation that adapts seamlessly to the local language and culture. If it weren’t for the quality of the work, there’s no way a game like this would have stuck around for over a decade, am I right?

But beyond the numbers and player engagement, it’s the feedback that matters. Dutch players aren’t just playing the game—they’re experiencing it. And that’s where the magic of good localization comes in.