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Localization Language Lead - Italian

On-site in Madrid·Added 3 days ago

12 open roles

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Overview

Requirements

Have the right to work in Spain
2K doesn't mention sponsorship in the ad.
Work in English
English is required, per the ad.
Italian
The ad asks for Italian, or counts it in your favour.
Work on-site in Madrid
No relocation package mentioned.
University degree
“Bachelor's degree in translation, linguistics, media, or related field preferred” — per the ad.

Requirements

What we're looking for

Professional localization experience in games, tech, or entertainment
Native fluency in Italian, with demonstrated mastery of tone, grammar, and regional nuance
Advanced English fluency (written and spoken); capable of representing language decisions across global teams
Proven ability to work independently on complex language projects, exercising judgment and creativity in ambiguous or conflicting situations
Strong working knowledge of platform-holder guidelines, naming conventions, and brand alignment principles
Comfortable overseeing or mentoring junior linguists and freelance vendors
Familiarity with localization tools (e.g., CAT tools, translation memory systems, XLOC, JIRA, CMS)
Deep understanding of Italian culture, media, and the Italian -speaking gaming audience
Experience with VO scripting, dubbing production, and linguistic performance direction is a plus
Bachelor's degree in translation, linguistics, media, or related field preferred

The role

TITLE: Localization Language Lead Italian

As part of our Global Loc 2.0 evolution, 2K is deepening its investment in language-specific leadership to improve the voice, cultural authenticity, and overall quality of our localized content. We are seeking a Game Localization Lead to own the linguistic direction and execution strategy for all Italian content across 2K's game portfolio.

This is an individual contributor role within the Content Localization (CLOC) team. You'll serve as the key Italian language authority, working with minimal supervision across complex projects. You'll apply deep linguistic and cultural expertise while partnering with developers, producers, QA, and publishing stakeholders to ensure language quality meets player expectations and platform-holder standards.

As a Game Localization Lead for Italian, you will directly shape how our players in Italy and other Italian -speaking regions experience our games. You'll own language strategy, guide voice and tone across titles, and play a key role in 2K's broader effort to deliver best-in-class localized content through a modern, embedded, and scalable localization model.

What you'll do

Own the localization strategy, quality bar, and final sign-off for Italian content across all 2K titles
Review and edit localized content (in-game text, UI, scripts, VO) for tone, clarity, fluency, and cultural relevance
Develop, maintain, and enforce glossaries, style guides, and cultural content policies for the Italian market
Collaborate with cross-functional teams-localization producers, embedded LQA, marketing, publishing, and dev-to guide language decisions and alignment
Serve as the main linguistic escalation point for Italian-related bugs, tone disputes, or QA challenges
Supervise and provide feedback to entry- and mid-level linguists or vendors working on Italian content
Consult with game studios and content owners on Italian age rating requirements, terminology usage, and visual/language compliance
Lead VO casting, script review, and direct creative sessions during Italian voiceover production
Regularly review in-development and near-final builds to audit for tone, consistency, and cultural resonance
Recommend and help implement process improvements that improve quality, reduce error rates, or optimize turnaround time for Italian localization
Participate in Global Loc 2.0 initiatives, working with senior leadership to shape evolving localization standards, practices, and tooling

About 2K

2K is a major video game publisher and developer known for iconic franchises such as NBA 2K, Borderlands, BioShock, Civilization, and WWE 2K. Headquartered in Novato, California, the company serves millions of players globally through its development and publishing arms. 2K operates numerous internal development studios around the world and handles publishing, marketing, and operational support from several international offices.

In Spain, 2K has a presence primarily through its localization and quality assurance (LQA) operations in Barcelona, which houses regional teams. The roles posted in Spain reflect a strong, an a robust localization and QA hub, indicating importance on serving international audiences with localized versions. For international professionals, working here offers experience with top-tier gaming franchises and environments, but the day-to-day work can be specialized.

Industry: Gaming
Founded: 2005
Employees: 5,000
Headquarters: Novato, USA
In Spain: Barcelona
Website: 2k.com

Good to know if you are moving

Most of the current opportunities in Spain are for localization language leads and quality assurance, which suggests a rather focused operational presence in Barcelona over full scale development.
Located videogamating careers and professional growth with iconic brands like NBA and BioShock if the company uses its own
is local had strong rates of multilingual roles start (loc product localization on multiple European Arabic, French).

In their own words

About the company & team

At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA® 2K, one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier's Civilization®, and XCOM®, as well as fan favorites WWE® 2K, TopSpin®, and PGA TOUR® 2K. We build unforgettable experiences by pushing the boundaries of creativity, authenticity and innovation across every genre.

Our portfolio is brought to life by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber, Gearbox, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab create world-class experiences across platforms.

But what truly powers 2K is our people.

We believe the best ideas come from teams that feel empowered, supported, and inspired. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace where people are encouraged to come as they are and do their best work.

Additional information

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews, and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

All open roles at 2K