Localization

Overview

Localization in Paralives covers two distinct systems: the translation of all in-game text (menus, tooltips, descriptions, and written content) into real-world languages, and the use of a custom fictional language called Parli for all spoken dialogue. This dual approach allows the game's interface to be fully accessible in dozens of languages while giving Parafolk a distinctive voice that does not favor any single real-world language. The Paralives Studio development team has worked with a professional translation services company to localize the game.

Confirmed Languages

As listed on the Steam store page, Paralives supports the following languages for its user interface and all written text. The initial set of professionally translated languages includes English, French, Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America), Portuguese (Brazil), German, Italian, and Polish, with additional languages added through continued translation efforts.

This list includes 29 languages (counting English), with both European and Latin American variants of Spanish and both European and Brazilian variants of Portuguese counted separately. Additional languages may be added in future updates based on community demand and translation availability.

In-Game Written Text

Written text that appears within the game world (such as signs, books, or messages) can be displayed in the player's chosen real language. This means that environmental text is not rendered in Parli or as gibberish symbols; instead, it appears in whichever of the supported languages the player has selected. This design choice improves readability and accessibility, ensuring that players can understand all in-game text without needing to decode a fictional script.

Parli: The Spoken Language

Parli (pronounced "par-lee") is the fictional spoken language created by the Paralives Studio team for Parafolk dialogue. When characters chat, argue, flirt, tell jokes, or ask questions, they speak in Parli rather than any real-world language. This approach is similar to how other life simulation games use invented languages for character speech, ensuring that no player group feels excluded by dialogue they cannot understand.

Language Design

The development team brainstormed made-up words and created a phonetic alphabet as the foundation for Parli. To make the language sound cohesive and identifiable, they established rules including limiting vowels to two per word and allowing up to two consonants to appear together. These constraints give Parli a consistent rhythm and cadence that players will begin to recognize over time, even though the words carry no literal meaning.

Voice Recording

Parli dialogue was recorded by voice actors who performed each line multiple times to capture natural variation. One of the voice actors recorded over 500 takes (not counting discarded recordings) during their sessions. Voice actor Andrei, who recorded the voice-overs for the 26 animation situations revealed in February 2026, performed roughly 40 takes per situation. The best three to four takes were then selected for each situation and placed in the game as random variations. This variation system means players will hear slightly different inflections and deliveries each time the same interaction occurs, making conversations feel more natural and less repetitive.

Translation Approach

The Paralives Studio team partnered with a professional translation services company to handle the localization of the game's text. The initial focus was on eight core languages: English, French, Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America), Portuguese (Brazil), German, Italian, and Polish. The broader set of 29 languages listed on the Steam store page represents the full scope of planned localization support.

Localization covers all user-facing text in the game, including:

• Main menu and settings interfaces

• Build Mode and Paramaker tooltips and labels

• Live Mode notifications, thought bubbles, and action menus

• Tutorial text and help screens

• Object names and descriptions in the catalog

• Career and skill descriptions

Community and Accessibility

The breadth of language support reflects the global nature of the Paralives community. The game has attracted supporters from around the world since its initial announcement, and providing localization in 29 languages helps ensure that as many players as possible can enjoy the full experience in their native language. The combination of real-language text for the interface and Parli for spoken dialogue creates a consistent experience regardless of which language a player selects.