I appreciate this being discussed– it’s incredibly important for the project’s long-term success. The suggestion of a Cultural Sensitivity Editor is a great idea, and raising these concerns now is a real advantage for the creators. Addressing potential issues early on (before any PR nightmares, returns, lost profits, or social media fallout) can reduce harm and save money. It’s not just an ethical responsibility, but it also makes sense financially and from a marketing perspective. In American English, the term “spirit animal” is closely tied to Native American and Indigenous cultures. Using it could unintentionally cause harm, ranging from cultural insensitivity to appropriation or even racism. Fortunately, “spirit familiar” fits the cozy witch game theme much better. In this context, a “familiar” is a witch’s magical animal companion, so it evokes witchcraft rather than Indigenous traditions, which aligns perfectly with your intended genre. Intent vs. Impact: Even if appropriation or insensitivity wasn't intended, the impact on players can still be negative. Translation Style: Instead of word-for-word (spirito animale → spirit animal), a meaning-for-meaning or dynamic equivalence approach (spirito animale → spirit familiar) is more accurate and will have a better impact on players. Localization: Adapting terms for the cultural context of your audience is essential; “spirit familiar” resonates with the witch theme, while “spirit animal” carries unintended cultural baggage in the U.S. I am not an expert on these things, but I’ve done my best for this reply and really do think it’s in everyone’s best interest to adjust the translation sooner rather than later. A bit of info on indigenous concepts of spirit animals: https://www.aegirsdottir.com/blogs/stories/understanding-the-importance-of-respecting-indigenous-concepts-spirit-animals-and-animal-totems