Daniel Finck

Localization Engineering & Process Automation
for Continuous Integration Projects

Digital resume

OPEN

"Daniel knows localization inside and out. He's familiar with all the latest tools and knows how to deploy them for maximum efficiency. His network in the industry is as broad as it gets and he will be able to help you with project set-up, file handling, encoding and all the other possible joys of the l10n process."

Stefan Behrens​
CEO
ProSiebenSat.1 Games

"His superb technical know-how and excellent knowledge about the available tools and their capabilities afford him deep insights into the industry and the ability to pick and combine the best solutions for any purpose, as well as to implement them himself as needed."

Michael K. Schmidt
Director Localization
Audible

"His knowledge of localization methodologies, processes, and tools grew sharply over all the projects we worked on together, giving him an excellent balance of skills and experience in both the practical application of localization best practices and the international game release cycle."

Patrick Wheeler
CTO
Co. Society

"Even beyond client and mobile games, his department secures the quality of all written and spoken words that leave the company."

Matthias Fellinger
Director of Product Management
ProSiebenSat.1 Games

Daniel Finck

Localization Engineering & Process Automation for Continuous Integration Projects

+49 (0) 1711735738

dfinck@loquatics.com

loquatics.com

finck.daniel

de.linkedin.com/in/ dfinck

Experienced localization expert with a proven track record of successfully implementing localization strategies for projects of all sizes, ready to leverage years of experience across all major roles of the field for his next challenge.

TEAM
Manager

Expertise in recruiting,  coordinating and motivating language specialists and vendors to consistently achieve localization goals on time and within budget

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LOCALIZATION
ENGINEER

Implements innovative solutions to streamline localization processes and optimize efficiency, consistently delivering proven results despite demanding conditions.
Designs customized workflows and software solutions for translation, project management, and financial operations across various sectors and companies.

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localization
Manager

Strategically ensures seamless integration and top-quality outcomes amidst tight deadlines and resource constraints.
Specialized in establishing internal localization services structures catering to the requirements of continuous content release/development workflows for Apps & Games

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TEAM
PLAYER

  • Consistently engaged with cross-functional teams on numerous occasions, leveraging diverse skills to consistently deliver exceptional results in challenging environments, where resources were limited and deadlines were tight.
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I am currently working on follow-up projects to my previous work for Gyant 

Localization Executive

Jun 2022 - Aug 2023
  • Directing the design and implementation of a centralized Translation Management System
  • Building of a secure interface for seamless and secure data exchange between internal and external sources.
  • Creation of an agile content development workflow, enhancing collaboration between design, localization, and development departments and driving production efficiency.
  • Development and deployment of an internal app centralizing request submission and tracking, thereby simplifying processes and improving departmental efficiency.
  • Creation of a one-stop solution catering to all localization needs, offering a user-friendly platform for internal teams.
  • Implementation of automated status reporting and communication channel creation, fostering transparent and effective communication between stakeholders.
  • Directing the design and implementation of a centralized Translation Management System
  • Building of a secure interface for seamless and secure data exchange between internal and external sources.
  • Creation of an agile content development workflow, enhancing collaboration between design, localization, and development departments and driving production efficiency.
  • Development and deployment of an internal app centralizing request submission and tracking, thereby simplifying processes and improving departmental efficiency.
  • Creation of a one-stop solution catering to all localization needs, offering a user-friendly platform for internal teams.
  • Implementation of automated status reporting and communication channel creation, fostering transparent and effective communication between stakeholders.
Crowdin
Gitlab
ClickUp
Figma
Slack
WordPress
Linux Server
AWS
GCP

I18n/L10n Workflow revision

Jul 2021 - Apr 2022
  • developing a language string library and ensure clarity on how to maintain it for all parties involved in the content development process
  • producing a scalable solution for content (string) management in Crowdin
  • creating internationalization guidelines and best practices for content creators (developers) and localizers
  • Enable fully agile localization workflow with Figma implementation by resolving remaining blockers
Crowdin
Memsource/Phrase
Confluence
Slack
WordPress

L10n + LQA project revision 

Sep 2018 - Apr 2020
  • detailed expert assessment for the localization and QA components for a 2-year old MMORPG game development project veering of course closing in on its repeatedly delayed release date
  • replacing the existing primary translation vendor and its error-prone  CAT setup with a lightweight and transparent self-hosted solution that allowed the newly recruited BNEA remote l10n team to assume and complete the localization process 
  • introduction of bug tracking tools and workflows that are easy as well as economic to use and monitor by the newly recruited remote LQA team 
  • creating a transparent budgeting and request management interface for the new l10n manager
MemoQ (hosted)
PHP Scripts
Slack
Teamwork
Paperspace
AWS

l10n workflow revision 

May 2018 - Aug 2018

Consultancy Target: Coaching Outfit7 L10n for mastering next level targets as adaptive and solution-oriented internal service provider by identifying opportunities for revising or replacing current workflows and tools

  • identified and implemented a light-weight alternative to the existing CAT platform that yields better flexibility, faster turnarounds, precise scheduling and reduces the overhead of freelancer task assignment
  • integration of the translation tool with with an intuitive PMS for transparent reporting, scheduling and budgeting
  • integration of the PMS with a standardized L10n request system without obstructing ongoing processes
Memsource
MemoQ (cloud)
Crowdin
Zanata (self-hosted)
Jira
Slack
Confluence
Harvest

REMOTE TEAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT

May 2017 - Jan 2019

Consultancy Target: Setup and support of continuous localization service for the unified mobile app of the Eastern European mobile network carriers belonging to the Veon Group / recruiting, training and management of required language specialists for 6 languages as remote team

  • Language team recruitment, tool implementation and training, creating independent continuous translation setups for each new market version
  • establishing cross-functional team workflows between Veon HQ, the stakeholders at its subsidiary telecommunication companies (e.g. Wind, Beeline, Kyivstar) and the remote localization team for the Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Armenian, Kazakh, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Bengali, Tajik, French and Italian language version of the Veon iOS and Android flaship app
Phrase
Github
HTML scripts
Teamwork
Slack

REMOTE TEAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Oct 2016 - present

Consultancy Target: Setup and support of continuous localization service for a medical AI platform / recruiting, training and management of required language specialists for 5 languages as remote team

  • Language team recruitment/training and locale management for medical assistant AI in various iterations and connected platforms (Alexa skill, Mobile app, Facebook chat bot, hospital patient reception software)
  • setting up web-based collaboration framework with platforms for project/localization & freelance resources management, billing and bug tracking – enabling continuous localization for the client’s content release process 
Slack
Crowdin
Jira
Monday

client collaboration platform

Jan 2016 - Oct 2016

Consultancy Target: Establishing a collaboration platform for the LSP that allows clients to to interact with l10n managers for their projects

  • Led the planning and execution of Audio Recording & Translation workflows tailored to suit the diverse needs of both Indie and AAA clients, ensuring continuity in their agile release processes when outsourcing.
  • Established collaboration conditions conducive to delivering localization assets of high quality, efficiency, and targeted market focus for each project.
  • Developed and introduced a custom client frontend seamlessly integrated into Salesforce for enhanced accessibility and operational efficiency.
MemoQ
Salesforce
WordPress

Workflow & tool revision

Oct 2015 - Dec 2015

Consultancy Target: Replacing the proprietary CMS tool with a better suited commercial solution / connecting the various internal dev studios with the new system

  • Supporting the transformation of the localization department into a dynamic internal service provider catering to all localization needs of the game publisher.
  • Led the planning, budgeting, and execution of introducing centralized CMS & PMS environment, utilizing Podio, Slack, and custom integration scripts.
  • Enhanced workflows to foster seamless collaboration among internal/external resources and language service providers, ensuring readiness for elevated targets while maintaining Agile flexibility.
Slack
Podio
Wordbee
Crowdin

In 2015 I started working as independent localization expert with my consultancy ‘Loquatics’. All of the major projects I have worked on in that capacity were full-time commitments that required me to work as part of the in-house teams until the consultancy target set by the client was met. Some of these projects took years to complete and lead to employment by the client (see Veon + Trendyol).

Head of localization

Jun 2012 - Sep 2015

Leading Aeria’s Localization efforts, coordinating all internal and external localization/LQA tasks worldwide. Supervising the Localization department and its subdivisions. Planning, executing, and optimizing project schedules, workflows, and reporting. Defining KPIs with a communication strategy, promoting best practices and ROI to stakeholders. Negotiating contracts with language service providers. Serving as youth protection commissioner and liaison to regulatory bodies.

  • Effective coordination, budgeting and administration of all internal and external efforts related to the localization/LQA of Aeria’s games and associated contents worldwide
  • Supervision of Aeria’s Localization department and its sub-divisions (Translation/Copy-Writing, Localization Management, L10n Engineering and LQA)
  • Planning, execution and optimization of project schedules, request workflows, financial accounting, resource allocation and executive management reporting for all ongoing localization processes
  • Defining qualitative and quantitative KPIs for Localization with a clear communication strategy
  • Proactively promotes and educates external developers and internal stakeholders about game localization best practices and ROI estimates/facts
  • Negotiates prices and details of framework contracts with external language service providers
  • Appointed youth protection commissioner for Aeria Games and direct point of contact to the German Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK)
Clarizen
Jira
Hipchat
MemoQ (self-hosted)
Memsource
DejaVu X2
Pootle

SENIOR LOCALIZATION MANAGER

Nov 2010 - May 2012
Planning and coordinating translation/localization/QA tasks for new releases, content updates, and marketing texts. Managing six EU language teams, performing statistical project analysis to optimize cost-effectiveness and goal achievement. Handling file preparation, segmentation, CAT implementation, and content update automation. Providing linguistic and technical training to in-house translation teams and overseeing recruitment, allocation, and evaluation of in-house and freelance resources.
  • Planning and coordinating the translation/localization/QA of new releases, content updates for released titles and marketing texts, while managing the 6 EU language teams of the start-up company
  • performing statistical project analysis methods to keep release processes as cost-effective and goal-oriented as possible
  • File preparation, segmentation, CAT implementation and content update automation for all localization/QA projects
  • Linguistic and technical training of in-house translation teams
  • Recruitment, allocation and evaluation of in-house and freelance resources
Jira
DejaVu X2
Pootle

Freelance Translator

Since 2006
  • TV and movie projects highlights (subtitle/script translator): One Tree Hill (WB) The Hangover (WB) Supernatural (WB) Terminator Salvation (Sony) Family Guy (Fox) The International (Sony) My Name is Earl (Fox) The Blind Side (WB) How I Met Your Mother (Fox) Inception (WB)
  • Video game project highlights (translator): Castlevania: Harmony of Dispair (Xbox 360), Contra” (Wii), Enchanted Folk and the School of Wizardry (Nintendo DS), Elemental Monster (PSP) and Adrenalin Misfits (Xbox 360)
  • Voice over project highlights (voice actor): Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney series (Nintendo DS / 3DS)
While there are more tools to mention, the list below focuses on the most frequently utilized and illustrates the respective level of familiarity by differentiating between experienced, advanced or admin-level usage.

L10N

Localization & translation software

ADMIN
ADVANCED
EXPERIENCED

CMS/DEV

Content management & development software

ADMIN
ADVANCED
EXPERIENCED

PMS

Project Management & collaboration software

ADMIN
Confluence
ADVANCED
EXPERIENCED

LANGUAGES

English
native-level 100%
German
native 100%
Japanese
casual 50%
French
basic 10%

SOFT SKILLS

Logical

Decision-making grounded in facts and data

RELIABLE

Delivers results self-reliantly, on-time and on-budget

CREATIVE

Thinks outside the box 

DIY Mentality

Creates solutions if no suitable exists (yet)

has been around the block

Knows the major tool and vendor players in the industry –
their strengths and weaknesses

passionate

Loves his craft

PRESENTATIONS / KEYNOTES​
“The Q-Factor Turnabout — Adapting Localization Alongside Changing Attitudes toward Quality and Quantity in a Maturing F2P Industry”
LOCALIZATION WORLD BARCELONA | 2017
“L10N OF F2P, ROI, DAU & CO – THE EMERGENCE OF THE QUALITY KPI IN THE METRIC-DRIVEN FREE-2-PLAY GAMES BUSINESS”​
UNIVERSITY OF LEIPZIG | 2016
“MOBILE GAMES LOCALIZATION: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED”​
LOCALIZATION WORLD BERLIN | 2015
“L10n goes f2p: making in-house localization work at aeria games”
LOCALIZATION WORLD LONDON | 2012
* Details available on request.
EDUCATION

MASTER OF ARTS

Magna cum laude for his master thesis "To Mask a Ninja: Cultural Transfer and the Localization of Cultural Elements on the Example of Japanese Anime Exports for the US market"  
UNIVERSITY OF LEIPZIG | 2004-2010

CIVILIAN SERVICE (ZIVILDIENST)​

2003
General higher Education
Entrance Qualification (Abitur)
2002
* Official documents available on request.
PERSONAL PROJECTS / INTERESTS
"GLOW - The Game localization & QA management Workshop" series
Founder and organizer of GLOW, a non-commercial and independent conference format for leading l10n specialists working at games publishers and developers. About 2-3 events are hosted yearly by participating publishers on-premise.
MT, LLM & Co enthusiast
Active observer and tinkerer of integrations involving recent AI developments. As the field of localization is regularly transformed by tech, knows that staying ahead of the game and providing clients with optimal solutions requires constant engagement with it.
LETTER OF REFERENCE
COLLEAGUES FEEDBACK

"Daniel and I had worked together before when he was running the inhouse localization team at Aeria Games, so he was a natural choice when we were looking for localization support for GYANT.  Daniel knows localization inside and out. He's familiar with all the latest tools and knows how to deploy them for maximum efficiency. His network in the industry is as broad as it gets and he will be able to help you with project set-up, file handling, encoding and all the other possible joys of the l10n process. 

All our projects were completed on time (or sooner) and within budget. At all times, Daniel's communication was reliable and proactive. It was a pleasure working with him and his team and I look forward to more joint projects in the future."

Stefan Behrens​
CEO | ProSiebenSat.1 Games / Gyant

"I joined Daniel's localization team at Aeria Games to help create an LQA strategy for their f2p MMO titles. Daniel had the vision - and provided the necessary support - to push for this addition, in line with his strong focus on defining and tracking localization quality standards and KPIs for efficient stakeholder reporting.

His superb technical know-how and excellent knowledge about the available tools and their capabilities afford him deep insights into the industry and the ability to pick and combine the best solutions for any purpose, as well as to implement them himself as needed. Daniel's inquisitive mind and solution-driven attitude help him to always be up-to-date and stay on top of the latest industry developments, to achieve the best-possible and most efficient results."

Michael K. Schmidt
Director Localization | Audible

"Having worked with Daniel on a number of large scale game localization projects during my time with Aeria Games, I was always impressed by his professionalism, ability to assimilate information, and adapt to new challenges. His project management skills and strong focus on measurable results and KPIs enabled us to identify processes that were sub-optimal and drove the localization department to greater efficiencies.

Daniel was directly responsible for a large multi-lingual team of expert game translators as well as project management of various parallel localization projects, some individual projects with a +2 million word count. His knowledge of localization methodologies, processes, and tools grew sharply over all the projects we worked on together, giving him an excellent balance of skills and experience in both the practical application of localization best practices and the international game release cycle."

Patrick Wheeler
CTO | Co. Society

"Daniel and his team of professionals ensure that the localization of all our games reaches the highest quality. Publishing games globally requires a tremendous effort to maintain this high quality in all provided languages. Even beyond client and mobile games, his department secures the quality of all written and spoken words that leave the company. I always enjoyed working together with him for the benefit of the company, and wish him best of luck for his career."

Matthias Fellinger
CTO | Aeria Games / Co. Society