The Future of AI in Game Localization - A Panel Discussion
24
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
The past years have seen an explosion in AI-driven localization tools, and studios across the world are racing to understand where and how they should fit it into their pipelines. But beyond the hype lie deeper questions: In an ideal world, what role should AI play in localization? Can it meaningfully accelerate production without compromising quality and nuance? And what does this shift mean for the people responsible for shaping localized player experiences?
This panel brings together localization and AI specialists to unpack how workflows are evolving, where trust and integration friction still hold teams back, and which metrics matter when evaluating AI-assisted output.
Attendees will gain perspectives on:
- Where AI can realistically add value in game localization workflows
- How roles and skillsets may adapt as AI tools mature
- What still prevents broader adoption (integration, trust, quality, cost)
- How to measure success and evaluate tradeoffs like speed vs. quality
- The conditions required for confident AI-assisted releases
- Real-life examples shared by the panelists
Session length: 45 mins including intro and Q&A
Speakers
Denis Ivanov
Lead Localization Manager @ Belka Games
Denis has spent the last seven years building Belka Games’ localization department from scratch. A specialist in scaling workflows and deep culturalization, he’s currently leading the charge on integrating AI to boost linguistic precision. Denis brings a unique global perspective to the stage, backed by a Master’s degree from China and a past life as a rally raid interpreter for motorsport teams.
Mike Kim
Localization Director @ Kong Studios
With over 20 years of experience in video game localization, Mike Kim has led localization efforts across LQA, translation, production, and executive roles. He has built scalable localization processes for studios ranging from startups to AAA developers. Today, his work focuses on applying AI and automation to localization pipelines, improving efficiency, quality, and scalability in modern game development.
Tucker Mills
Localization Program Manager @ The Bards Guild
Tucker Mills is a gaming producer and global localization expert with 15+ years of experience delivering games for worldwide audiences, specializing in modern localization workflows and AI-assisted translation. He leads localization and culturalization pipelines across text, voiceover, art, and live operations, partnering with international teams to ship high-quality content at scale. He spent nearly a decade in China at the start of his career and has worked extensively with major developers and indie studios alike. Tucker focuses on building efficient, player-focused production pipelines that balance quality, speed, and cost, and is passionate about cross-cultural collaboration and designing systems that help global teams do their best work.
Anna Albinsson
CEO @ Gridly
Anna Albinsson is an experienced commercial leader with an impressive track record of numerous executive positions within Marketing, Sales and Operations, as well as CEO. One of her many achievements is leading Bisnode on their transformation journey to becoming an AI company, and through the sale and later merger with Dun&Bradstreet. As a leader, Anna focuses on innovation, productivity and sustainable results.
24
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM