This forum isn't really the best place to ask Wizards of the Coast for an explanation, as D&D Beyond (and these forums by extension) is not run by Wizards of the Coast.
I expect that it is due to trademark names though.
I expect that it is due to trademark names though.
If not actual trademarks, brand continuity could be a factor.
I'm not sure if it is the common occurrence, or the rarity, but I have seen people get confused about products that are available for a game because the translated version has a different title instead - so some folks end up thinking there is another product out there for them to buy when the reality is that it is content they already have, translated to a different language. So maybe there is also some degree of attempting to avoid that kind of confusion.
To be clear, the translation is below the book title. As others have noted, this involves a mix of branding and trademark licensing issues. That's also why the French version isn't of "Cachots et Dragons" or the locally-favoured "Donjons & Dragons". Considering this is the first time D&D has ever been localized outside of US English, I'm not sure what 20 years of continuity you think there is.
Where are you seeing this? The German copy of the PHB is Spielerhandbuch which is very obviously translated.... Some location names remain the same (as they usually do between languages, unless the cities are centuries old - Chicago is always Chicago, but Munich can be Minga, München, Munic, etc), but even Forgotten Realms has its own name in other languages.
To be clear, the translation is below the book title. As others have noted, this involves a mix of branding and trademark licensing issues. That's also why the French version isn't of "Cachots et Dragons" or the locally-favoured "Donjons & Dragons". Considering this is the first time D&D has ever been localized outside of US English, I'm not sure what 20 years of continuity you think there is.
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D&D Beyond FoundersThis forum isn't really the best place to ask Wizards of the Coast for an explanation, as D&D Beyond (and these forums by extension) is not run by Wizards of the Coast.
I expect that it is due to trademark names though.
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To be clear, the translation is below the book title. As others have noted, this involves a mix of branding and trademark licensing issues. That's also why the French version isn't of "Cachots et Dragons" or the locally-favoured "Donjons & Dragons". Considering this is the first time D&D has ever been localized outside of US English, I'm not sure what 20 years of continuity you think there is.
http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/news/localization
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.
Where are you seeing this? The German copy of the PHB is Spielerhandbuch which is very obviously translated.... Some location names remain the same (as they usually do between languages, unless the cities are centuries old - Chicago is always Chicago, but Munich can be Minga, München, Munic, etc), but even Forgotten Realms has its own name in other languages.
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.