Videogiochi, traduzione e geopolitica
Perché la localizzazione non è soltanto una questione di lingua: il caso Metro Exodus tra mediazione culturale, identità e conflitto russo-ucraino
Abstract
The article analyses video game localisation as a practice of linguistic, cultural and political mediation, moving beyond the notion that it amounts solely to translation. Using the example of Metro Exodus, developed by the Ukrainian studio 4A Games and set in the post-Soviet space, the study compares terminological, textual and vocal choices in the Italian, English and Russian versions. The analysis shows how localisation can alter characterisation, perceived authenticity and the geopolitical interpretation of the work.
Submitted: July 22, 2026 | Accepted: Sept. 19, 2026 | Published Nov. 5, 2026 | Language: it
Keywords Linguistic and cultural mediation • Translation and geopolitics • Metro Exodus • Video game localization • Post-Soviet space
Copyright © 2026 Niccolò Boccone. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.