Localization Language Lead - Italian

Localization Language Lead - Italian

Madrid, Spain;
Madrid, Spain

TITLE:

Localization Language Lead Italian

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 Bio Shock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier's Civilization®, and XCOM®, as well as fan favorites WWE® 2K, Top Spin®, 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 Sports Lab 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.

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.

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

What Will Make You A Great Fit

• 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

Why Join…