NIS America Accelerates Western Releases of Trails and Ys Series
Good news for fans of Falcom's Trails and Ys RPG series! NIS America has pledged to significantly shorten the time it takes to bring these acclaimed Japanese titles to Western audiences. This commitment to faster localization was announced by Senior Associate Producer Alan Costa during the recent digital showcase for Ys X: Nordics.
While Costa remained tight-lipped about the specific internal changes implemented, he confirmed a dedicated effort to expedite the localization process. The upcoming releases of Ys X: Nordics (this October) and Trails Through Daybreak II (early 2025) serve as key examples of this accelerated timeline. Even with Trails Through Daybreak II's Japanese release in September 2022, the early 2025 Western launch represents a considerable improvement over previous release schedules.
Historically, Western fans have endured lengthy waits. The Trails in the Sky series, for example, took seven years to reach global audiences after its initial Japanese PC release. Other titles, such as Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure, faced even longer delays, taking twelve years to reach Western markets. This was largely attributed to the immense volume of text requiring translation, as explained by former XSEED Games Localization Manager Jessica Chavez.
Despite aiming for faster releases, NIS America emphasizes maintaining high localization quality. Costa stated that speed won't compromise accuracy, highlighting a continued focus on balancing both aspects. The past challenges, including the delay of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana due to translation issues, underscore the importance of this careful approach.
The improved turnaround time for Trails Through Daybreak II suggests a positive shift in NIS America's localization strategy. The game's positive reception further bolsters confidence in the publisher's ability to deliver high-quality localized titles more efficiently. This promising development indicates a brighter future for Western fans eagerly awaiting future installments in both the Trails and Ys franchises. For our review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak, please see the link below!
