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The problem with release first translate later is that then they wouldn't get the sales they expect, since most people are not multilingual. However, I still can't fathom why original language versions are not options.

Audio seems to follow this pattern, but why would text? Why is it that we have games with japanese audio but not japanese text, for example?

Most of times (almost every time), the original texts and voices are done with more care and control than subsequent dubbing or translations. This is true in movies, this is true in videogames. Videogames with tolerable localizations are very rare. That's why I ended up buying games on digital stores (retail editions often only had the local version only), and why I'm so annoyed by games that forcefully install localized versions (and GOG sells a couple of these).

So no. I don't want translated versions if I understand the language. And if I don't, I largely prefer translated subtitles and original voices.

And I usually don't watch dubbed movies. If it's a quality film, I check it in original version, even if it means waiting a long time for it being available. Exceptions are trashy throwaway movies on tv (because tv seldom gives a choice of language, and when you just relax in front of sify's Invasion Of The Oyster Men, maybe you're not missing out on significant thespian performances), and particularly well done dubbing (such as Leone's supervised french versions). But my default choice always goes to the original.

I thought you were gonna talk about games that had their own languages or something.
A Clockwork Orange had some words throughout it that kept popping up that had no meaning to the reader, but by the end of the book, you kind of learned the slang thus understanding what it being said.

As for your actual question, I usually do play games in their original language. I'm lucky to have grown up with English and Japanese, so I have a pretty wide variety of games I can play in their original language. I guess it just depends on which one I picked up and when. Pokemon will forever be in English to me. Wtf is a [url=https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Squirtle_(Pok%C3%A9mon)]Zenigame[/url]. Squirtle all the way, best starter btw no question. I remember at one point in my life, I actively sought out Japanese versions of games like Golden Sun 1 and 2, because I thought they were better by some arbitrary standard. I then beat those games in English as well, there seemed to be no difference to me. This was well over a decade ago though. My thoughts may change now, but I have other games to get to.

I recently finished watching the TV Evangelion series. Subs were embedded by default, and they seemed pretty good. Enough for me to recommend to my friends. The only dubbed show I've heard that people actively prefer is DBZ, but that may just be nostalgia.

I guess it just depends on the quality of the translation/sub/dub.

Sorry if my thoughts seem disconnected. Monster headache.

Localization can be farmed out, and ergo, licenced out as well.

I've always assumed it was because they don't want Japanese people to buy them.

A game in Fairfox language would be quite the challenge; I think in that case I'd find it easier to work with the English translation. ;)

Anyway, on topic: If a game was originally written in a language I'm familiar with, I usually prefer the original version, e.g. Mass Effect in English, Risen in German, Syberia in French etc. If I have trouble understanding the original, my first choice would be to switch to English, not German (because I have more faith in English translations than in German ones; I guess that's because my standards are highest when it comes to the language I grew up with, and because I trust that the quality control will be better in English, due to a larger audience and overall familiarity with the language compared to German; also because English is usually shorter and German text tends to be longer than what the UI spaces and windows were made for, like "Weak Potion of Healing" vs. "Schw. Tr. d. Le.en.-W." in Oblivion :P). So when I played The Witcher, I chose English over Polish original or German translation. If in doubt, I try out different languages or compare them on YouTube, and then choose what sounds most fitting and enjoyable to me (regarding voice actors and lines).