Localization Updates Spearheaded to Improve User Access

NIS America Accelerates Western Releases of Trails and Ys Series

Good news for fans of Falcom's Trails and Ys RPG series! NIS America, the publisher bringing these acclaimed Japanese titles to the West, has pledged to significantly reduce localization times. This commitment to faster releases was announced by Senior Associate Producer Alan Costa during the recent digital showcase for Ys X: Nordics.

While Costa remained tight-lipped about specific internal changes, he confirmed a concerted effort to expedite the localization process. The upcoming releases of Ys X: Nordics (October) and Trails Through Daybreak II (early 2025) serve as prime examples of this accelerated timeline. Even with Trails Through Daybreak II's Japanese release in September 2022, the early 2025 Western launch represents a substantial improvement over previous release schedules.

Historically, Western fans faced notoriously lengthy waits. The Trails in the Sky series, for example, took seven years to reach a global audience after its initial Japanese PC release. Similarly, Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure experienced a twelve-year delay. This was largely attributed to the immense volume of text requiring translation, as explained in a 2011 blog post by a former XSEED Games Localization Manager.

While NIS America acknowledges that localization remains a significant undertaking (two to three years), they emphasize a commitment to quality alongside speed. As Costa stated, the goal is to balance rapid release with high-quality translation, a delicate balance honed over many years.

The past delay of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana due to translation errors highlights the potential risks of rushing the process. However, the recent, well-received release of Trails Through Daybreak suggests NIS America is successfully navigating this challenge, delivering both speed and accuracy. This positive trend bodes well for future releases of both the Trails and Ys franchises.

For a detailed review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak, please see our review linked below.