Small Language, Big Market: Why Czech Translations Matter for Your Game’s Success

Every year, thousands of new board games and expansions launch globally. In 2023 alone, the global board game market was valued between US $13.5 billion and US $21 billion, depending on the source, with a rapid growth trajectory (CAGR 9–12%).

Yet in the Czech Republic—a nation of ~10.5 million with a vibrant gaming culture—only a fraction of these games are translated into Czech. Many impressive titles never reach local tables simply due to language barriers.

What many developers and publishers don’t realize is this:

A Czech translation doesn’t just reach 10.5 million people in the Czech Republic—it also resonates with an additional 5.4 million Slovaks, most of whom understand Czech fluently.

Czech and Slovak are closely related West Slavic languages. While each has its own official status, they remain mutually intelligible, especially for Slovaks, who regularly consume Czech media, films, books, and yes—board games. That means one Czech localization effectively opens your game to a potential audience of 15+ million.

If you're a developer or publisher: don’t overlook Czech—a relatively small but deeply engaged community ready for your next hit.

The Czech & Slovak Board Game Market in Numbers

🇨🇿 Czech Republic

• In 2023, the Czech toys and games market (including board games, puzzles, toys, and card games) was valued at ~€1.01 billion, with growth projected to €1.14 billion by 2028.

• Board and card games make up a significant portion of this, with retailers like Alza, Ráj Hraček (Toy Paradise), and Planeta Her (Planet of Games) stocking hundreds of titles.

• Major publishers include Czech Games Edition (CGE), MindOK, Albi, and Rexhry.

🇸🇰 Slovakia

• Slovakia’s smaller population (~5.4 million) still shows high cultural overlap:

  • Czech TV, books, and games are widely consumed.

  • Slovak publishers often partner with Czech firms or import Czech editions directly.

• Czech localizations are frequently used instead of Slovak translations, thanks to linguistic closeness and cost-effectiveness.

Key Point: One well-done Czech translation often doubles as a Slovak version—meaning your project gains a 15-million-strong audience with a single localization effort.

Why Czech (and Slovak) Localization Pays Off

Here’s why targeting this region can be a smart move:

• CGE's Codenames has sold 15 million+ copies worldwide, translated into 46+ languages—but it began in Czech. Games like Galaxy Trucker and Through the Ages also grew from Czech roots to global hits.

• Czech and Slovak players place a high value on native-language rulebooks, especially for complex or narrative-heavy games.

• Local distributors and retailers often prioritize localized versions in their catalogs and marketing.

• Czechia and Slovakia both have active board game conventions (e.g. Deskohraní, Hrací víkend, Slavcon), board game cafés, and active social media groups.

Budget-Friendly Option: Czech Rules as Downloadable PDFs

You don’t have to translate the entire game box, components, and inserts to reach this market.

Many international publishers follow a smart, cost-effective approach:

• Keep the physical game in English,

• Provide printed Czech rules in the box or

• Include a QR code linking to a downloadable Czech PDF with the translated rulebook and component glossary.

This option cuts production costs while giving Czech and Slovak players exactly what they need: clear, native-language rules that make the game playable and enjoyable.

As a translator, I specialize in creating clean, print-ready PDFs of Czech rulebooks and localization kits—designed for exactly this purpose.

What This Means for Your Game

1. Reach a combined audience of over 15 million players.

2. Boost sales potential in two countries with strong purchasing power and cultural interest in tabletop games.

3. Stand out to local distributors and publishers by offering a complete, ready-to-sell Czech edition.

Increase player trust and enjoyment through high-quality, culturally aware localization.

Why Quality Localization Matters

Translating game rules or creative text isn’t just about swapping words between languages—it’s about preserving intent, tone, and fun.

Bad translations can:

• Confuse players and cause rule misinterpretation

• Kill immersion with awkward or literal phrasing

• Hurt your reputation when shared in local communities

On the other hand, great localization makes your game feel like it was originally written for the local market. In Czechia and Slovakia, where players are detail-oriented and love rich, thematic gameplay, this can make the difference between a one-time buyer and a loyal fan.

This is especially true in:

• Narrative-heavy games (fantasy, sci-fi, legacy)

• TTRPGs where tone and roleplay flow matter

• Party and family games where humor must land correctly

• App-based games or hybrid board games with UI and in-game text

A good localizer doesn’t just translate—they adapt, rephrase, and test the result so the game feels intuitive and enjoyable in the local context.

Final Thoughts

I’m a native Czech translator with a background in creative writing and a love for games. Over the years, I’ve played, reviewed, and tested dozens of titles—and I’ve seen first-hand how the right localization can bring a game to life for new audiences.

I’d love to see more international board games and indie projects appear in Czech and Slovak stores—not just the biggest hits, but the clever, beautiful games that deserve a local following too.

That’s why I’ve decided to specialize in translating game rules, fantasy text, and creative writing into Czech—with a focus on keeping the tone, flow, and fun intact.

If you’re a publisher, designer, or self-publishing indie creator and you’d like to explore Czech localization, feel free to check us out or drop us a message. I’d be happy to chat about your project.