Fun for All: II International Conference on Translation and Accessibility in
Video Games and Virtual Worlds: Searching for Best Practices

22nd and 23rd March 2012

Transmedia Catalonia Research Group
Centre for Accessibility and Ambient Intelligence in Catalonia
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

CALL FOR PAPERS
We are pleased to invite you to submit a paper to the Fun for All: II International Conference on Translation and Accessibility in Video Games and Virtual Worlds to be held by the Transmedia Catalonia Research Group at the
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona on 22nd and 23rd March 2012.

Theme of the conference
In four decades the video game industry has become a worldwide phenomenon, generating millions in revenue every year. Video games are increasingly becoming more elaborate and sophisticated, with advanced graphics and intricate story lines, and developers and publishers need to reach the widest possible audience in order to maximise their return on investment. Translating games into other languages and designing games that can be
played for a wide spectrum of players, regardless of their (dis)ability, are two obvious ways to contribute to increasing the audience for the game industry.

However, to date, both industry and academia have paid little attention to the emerging fields of game localization and accessibility, as well as accessibility to virtual worlds, also known as metaverses, and the role
translation plays in them. Academic studies focusing on game localization and accessibility of games and virtual worlds are few and far between, despite the fact that further research in localization and accessibility is
beneficial to all. The industry can benefit by reaching the broadest possible audience, while the audience can benefit from having improved access to games and virtual worlds. A more systematic and interdisciplinary
approach bringing together academics from different disciplines with various research backgrounds and methodologies, such as translation studies, media studies, psychology, usability, engineering and computing, human rights, is required to promote further advances in these areas of study.

The successful I International Conference on Translation and Accessibility in Video Games and Virtual Worlds, held at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in December 2010, became a meeting point for academic and
professionals working in the game industry and the game localisation industry, as well as students interested in this field. The second edition of the conference, Fun for All: II International Conference on Translation
and Accessibility in Video Games and Virtual Worlds, aims to continue fostering the interdisciplinary debate in these fields and contribute to the development of best practices.

Key note speakers
Heather M. Chandler, Media Sunshine, author of The Game Localization Handbook.

Title: The Importance of Game Localization in Capturing International Markets.

Thomas Westin, Stockholm University Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, DSV.

Title: Large Scale Game Accessibility.

Suggested topics
The II International Conference on Translation and Accessibility in Video Games and Virtual Worlds will cover the following topics. Proposals about related topics are also welcome:

* Game localisation process
* Standardisation
* Quality issues
* Development and use of specialised tools
* Cultural adaptation and humour in games
* Dubbing and subtitling for game
* Localization of online, mobile phone, social games
* Fan translations
* Reception studies
* Game localisation and accessibility best practices
* Accessibility to video games and virtual worlds
* Game audio design
* Design for all
* Role of translation in virtual worlds
* Accessible educational games.

Abstract proposals and deadlines
Abstract proposals (max. 300 words) should be sent by 20th November 2011 to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Date of notification regarding acceptance of abstracts: 20th December 2011.
The abstracts should attached as a WORD document, with the format: authorname.doc
Please indicate ABSTRACT in the subject line in your e-mail.

Conference Language
The language of the conference will be English.

Information and Contact Details
For all correspondence about the conference please use the e-mail address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please indicate clearly the subject in the subject line of your e-mail. For example: "GENERAL
INFORMATION QUERY", "REGISTRATION QUERY", etc.

More information will be available soon from the conference website
http://jornades.uab.cat/videogamesaccess/

Conference Fee and Registration
Fees include attendance to the conference, materials, coffee breaks, lunches and the conference dinner.
Early-bird registration (before 19th February 2011): 180 Euro.
After 20th February 2012: 200 Euro.
Contributors are invited to register by 19th February 2012.
Early-bird registration students from UAB: 50 Euro
UAB Student registration after 19th February 2010: 70 Euro.
Early-bird registration students from other universities and alumni of the AVT translation masters at UAB: 90 Euro
Student and alumni of the AVT translation masters at UAB registration after 19th February: 110 Euro

Organising Committee
Carme Mangiron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Anna Matamala, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Pilar Orero, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Jordi Carrabina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Scientific Committee
Miguel Bernal, University of Roehampton
David Camacho, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Heather Chandler, Media Sunshine Game Development Studio
Alberto Fernández, Universidad de Oviedo
Dimitris Grammenos, Institute of Computer Science (ICS) Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH)
Enric Martí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Minako O'Hagan, Dublin City University
Lucía Pérez-Castilla, CEAPAT (Centro Estatal de Autonomía Personal y Ayudas Técnicas, National Centre for Personal Autonomy and Techincal Support)
Javier Torrente, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Thomas Westin, Stockholm University