We all know that Games come out staggered, Japan might get it first, America would get it second, and Europe might not even get the game! I say that these staggered releases are ridiculous. Why is it not possible to have a Game come out on the Same day for J/A/E? It seems like some companies (I know most of you hate Apple but they seem to get Release Dates right)  can easily do this yet Nintendo or Sony (for example) can not? 

What is your view on Global Release Dates?

Global releases are a good idea in theory, but there's many difficulties in doing it it just isn't feasible for anything other than the biggest games.

Namely, each area has a different language, so you'll need to have a translation of the game in at least Japanese, English, German, French, Spanish and Italian ready for launch. This just isn't feasible in practice.

Next is the fact that you have to get it through different ratings agencies, which can take a VERY long time. It also costs a lot of money to do these two things, something which devs and publishers can't afford.

Then you have the smaller things, like having PAL/NTSC differences, which have to be accounted for, and advertisements in every area around the world, and having to send in review copies...

It's just not feasible, especially for Japanese developers, like Nintendo, Squeenix, Sony etc., as the yen is too strong for it to be feasible. There's a lot of steps to be done and money to be spent in order for games to be released, it's much easier to get the revenue from the game coming from your main market for the game (Japan, America, Europe) and worry about the rest later.

This is, of course, a much bigger factor for games which are text-heavy, like JRPG's, or puzzle games, like Layton.

The only thing standing in the way (barring developing countries) is the finicky nature of Japan both as a producer and as a receptor. In the last five years or so, Europe and North America have more or less gained parity.

So, things like Pokemon (which are RPG's but have little actual discussion) might be able to get a Global Release? Pokemon is a very large franchise so I would think that would be a good idea for it. 

Thanks for reminding 3DS Layton is still not released here!!

But global releases are good, but I don't really care that much. There will never be a shortage of great games available in any single region, so waiting is not a big deal. Plus, sometimes it builds hype, and hype is good! Makes you want the game even more!

I changed it just for you, Rol.

While anything more than 1 week is absolute folly for some games, I can see why not everyone can release their game on the same day worldwide.

Sadly, I don't think so. All the names have to be translated, as do the descriptions for each 'mon, and the guides, and the descriptions, and all the other trainers...

It's not so big an issue as many, though.

I think it should be possible to do Japan then Europe/America, though. Or the other way round. If everything is translated for the EU countries, then America should follow suit quite swiftly after.

Well, it could be done where it is released in Japan first then America and the major English Speaking Countries in Europe, later on they could make it to where Germany and Spain (etc.) would have a translated version into their language. Do you think that would work better?