NIS America Accelerates Western Releases of Falcom's Trails and Ys Series
Good news for fans of the Trails and Ys series! NIS America, the publisher bringing these acclaimed Japanese RPGs to Western audiences, has announced a significant push to expedite the localization process. This commitment to faster releases was revealed by Senior Associate Producer Alan Costa during the recent Ys X: Nordics digital showcase.
While Costa remained tight-lipped about the specifics of their internal improvements, he confirmed a concerted effort to reduce localization times. The upcoming releases of Ys X: Nordics and Trails Through Daybreak II (October 2024 and early 2025 respectively) serve as prime examples of this accelerated timeline. The latter's release, despite its September 2022 Japanese launch, represents a substantial reduction in the typical wait time for Western fans.
Historically, these games have faced notoriously long delays. The Trails in the Sky series, for instance, experienced a seven-year gap between its Japanese PC release (2004) and its Western PSP debut (2011). Even more recent titles like Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure endured a twelve-year wait. This delay was previously attributed to the sheer volume of text requiring translation, a challenge highlighted by former XSEED Games Localization Manager Jessica Chavez in 2011.
While a two-to-three-year localization process remains the norm, NIS America emphasizes that speed won't compromise quality. Costa stressed the importance of finding a balance between rapid release and accurate translation, a balance they've been actively refining. The past challenges, such as the year-long delay of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana due to translation issues, serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential pitfalls of rushing the process.
The timely release of Trails Through Daybreak signifies a positive shift. Its positive reception suggests NIS America is successfully navigating this balance, paving the way for quicker and higher-quality localizations of future Trails and Ys titles. This is welcome news for fans eager to experience these beloved RPGs without extensive delays.
