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Network of passion: Actor-network in the domain of video game localization in Thailand

ORCiD logo with link | Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia, Mahidol University
Published online: 26 February 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/ts.25023.tec
Abstract
The rapid growth of the video game industry has contributed to the emergence of networks of actors within the domain of video game translation/localization in Thailand. This domain includes not only formally commissioned, or official, localization actors but also unofficial parties. All these actors have formed interconnected networks within the field. This article aims to (1) examine the landscape of video game localization in Thailand; (2) analyze the networks of actors within the domain; and (3) investigate the nature and practices involved. The study employs a qualitative approach, using Actor-Network Theory to explore the structure and dynamics of these networks. The findings reveal that the actor-networks within this domain are sustained not only by human actors but also by nonhuman actors, such as technological tools and circulating concepts, which play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the network.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Literature review
    • 2.1Video game localization, fan translation, and collaborative translation
      • 2.1.1Fan translation of video games
      • 2.1.2Collaborative translation in video game localization
    • 2.2Actor-network theory (ANT)
  • 3.Methodology
  • 4.Findings and analysis
    • 4.1Video game localization in Thailand and its actors
      • 4.1.1Actors in official segments and their involvement in the domain
      • 4.1.2Actors in unofficial segments and their involvement in the domain
    • 4.2Fan translation of video games in Thailand and video game translation as a labor of love
    • 4.3Collaborative translation of video game translation in Thailand
    • 4.4Actor-network of video game translation in Thailand
      • 4.4.1Networked activities and the web of anonymity
      • 4.4.2Actor-Network of video game translation in Thailand: Human actors and nonhuman actors
  • 5.Discussion and conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
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