Hi everyone
I missed the last 2 months of discussions 'cause I hadn't my Internet ç_ç
Now that I'm back, my 2 cents
As I talked with Prof Donphan, the italian situation for OP is approximately the same for every European country: distributors know NOTHING about OP, and (for us) the company distributor indicated to be the OP responsibles, don't answer.
Out idea was to manage directly the OP thing, but - as Michel said (Hi Michel ^^) - PUI surely can't (and don't want) accept a thing like that cause they have to work with companies: it's always a money affair
The new idea is really simple.
The distributor announced an italian release for EX: R/S and Sandstorm for January 2004. Now, for OP is really useful to have out a local language release of the product, or an english release is ok?
For players, I think (and I know I'm right) english product is enough. It would really nice if local OP starts with an anticipated english language release of the above sets - we do know that distributors already have them. Why PUI waits for local language release?
It's the same trouble of the Ruby/Sapphire videogame release. When local language relase was announced, misteriously ALL english copies from european stores have disappeared, and stores werent' able anymore to order import copies of the games.
NOA wanted to have money from local players, that want to play games in local language - appeal with young players is more simple, not anyone knows english, right?
I think the same thing happens with TCG. PUI wants young players to buy cards that they UNDERSTAND, cause most kids only collect cards, without playing (so the "translation booklet" is useless).
But, are we able to find a way to accord with PUI about an anticipated OP start?
I tink I'm the only MP in Italy who has ordered BZ kits, and I have many kits left (waiting for them cause I'm moving from Sardinia to Milan). But Professors are not everywhere, and many many stores are losing interest in Pokémon TCG OP.
If a regular OP activity starts now, it is more simple for stores to announce that to players, and there are many chances for players to re-gain interest in the game.
Personally, I'm still running a League in Milan (there are only 2 Leagues that I know, last year there were at least 5 of them).
So my proposal to PUI is: pre-release of the product in english (as they announced, but nothing happened), and start of OP in Europe. Then, in January 2004, they can release a local language of the sets. Obiouvsly, full support from professors and MPs.