Pixel Sundays: The Secrets Behind Pokemon’s Success – A Look Behind the Scenes

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By Gaming News
12 January 2025 no comments

Today, you can look forward to an article about the Pokemon franchise. You’ll learn where it all began and discover the variety of games available within the franchise. All the details, right here.

Summary

In this week’s Pixel Sundays article, we’re exploring Pokemon. Everyone recognizes these little creatures, and characters like Pikachu are known worldwide. But how did it all start, and how has the franchise evolved over the years? You’ll find all the answers here.

The Origin of the Pokemon Franchise

The Pokemon franchise has its origins in the 1990s. The concept was created by Satoshi Tajiri, the founder of Game Freak. Before diving into the games themselves, let’s first discuss Tajiri. As a child, he grew up in Machida, a suburb of Tokyo, and developed a passion for collecting insects. This hobby earned him the nickname “Dr. Bug.” Over time, urbanization destroyed many insect habitats, and the insects became harder to find. This inspired Tajiri to create a game where anyone, no matter where they lived, could experience his childhood hobby.

Pokemon

The idea for a game took shape when Tajiri realized the potential of connecting two Game Boys with a link cable. He imagined a game where two creatures could be exchanged between devices, and this concept ultimately became the foundation for catching Pokemon. It mirrored his childhood experience and aimed to give children a similar sense of adventure.

In 1996, the first games in the series, “Pokemon Red” and “Pokemon Green,” were released in Japan for the Game Boy. These games combined adventure with collecting creatures, and players could even trade Pokemon using the innovative link cable. This feature encouraged social interaction between players, a key reason for the franchise’s success. Each version featured some exclusive Pokemon available only in one edition, requiring players to trade with others to complete their collections.

Pokemon

After the success of the first games in Japan, they were released in Western markets in 1998 as “Pokemon Red” and “Pokemon Blue.” But as we all know, Pokemon didn’t stop with video games. Over time, trading cards, an anime series, and much more joined the franchise.

The Evolution of Pokemon Games

The Pokemon series now includes over 30 games. While we won’t be able to cover every single one in detail, we’ll explore how the games have developed over their nearly 30-year history. From graphics to gameplay, the franchise has seen a lot of changes.

Pokemon

The journey began with the Red and Green editions, which belonged to Generation 1. This generation introduced a total of 151 Pokemon, laying the foundation for the games. Each Pokemon had unique attributes, creating strengths and weaknesses in battles against other Pokemon types. The first game introduced the core gameplay of catching, training, and battling Pokemon, which remains the heart of the franchise today.

Later editions brought new generations of Pokemon, often set in entirely new regions. This avoided overwhelming players with 1,000 Pokemon to collect in one game. New features like a day-night cycle and Pokemon breeding were also introduced. Later generations added mechanics like Mega Evolutions and Dynamax transformations, allowing Pokemon to become even stronger during battles.

Pokemon

Graphically, the series has evolved tremendously. The original Pokemon Red was in simple 2D graphics and black and white, while today’s games on the Nintendo Switch showcase vibrant 3D visuals. Despite these advancements, many fans still feel nostalgic for the old 2D art style. What about you – do you prefer 2D or 3D Pokemon games?

The latest main games, Scarlet and Violet, introduced open-world elements, allowing players more freedom to explore while maintaining the classic Pokemon formula of battling and collecting.

New features like online battles have been introduced, making it easier to trade and compete with friends worldwide. There are also global events where you can test your skills against Pokemon trainers from around the world.

Pokemon

Games like Pokemon Sword and Shield continue to receive updates, including downloadable content (DLC) that introduces new areas, stories, and Pokemon.

Beyond the main series, Pokemon has a wealth of spin-offs and other titles. These include the mobile game Pokemon Go, the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series, and the photography-based Pokemon Snap. Each offers unique gameplay experiences that expand on the Pokemon universe.

Pokemon

For example, Pokemon Go, released in 2016, brought Pokemon into the real world via your smartphone. Players could walk around their neighborhoods to find and catch wild Pokemon. The game promoted both physical activity and social interaction, as groups of friends ventured out together to catch Pokemon or participate in raids.

The Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series is another standout, offering a dungeon-crawling experience where players take on the role of a Pokemon. These games feature randomly generated dungeons filled with enemies to defeat. The series has been around since 2005, with the most recent release being Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX in 2020.

Pokemon

Another unique title is Pokemon Snap, which transforms players into photographers tasked with taking pictures of Pokemon in their natural habitats. The first game was released in 1999 on the Nintendo 64, and a modern version, New Pokemon Snap, launched in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.

The Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG)

The Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) is a central part of the Pokemon franchise and has had a significant influence on pop culture and the gaming industry since its introduction in 1996.

Pokemon

The first Pokemon trading cards were released in October 1996 in Japan and were based on the popular Pokemon game. You take on the role of a trainer and can collect Pokemon to battle against other players in strategic battles. The TCG turned the franchise into more than just a video game. You could buy booster packs in stores to get new, potentially powerful or rare cards, and use them to battle your friends. These cards were also traded and exchanged among many players.

The Pokemon TCG quickly became popular, and a vibrant tournament scene developed. Local and eventually global tournaments with prize money and more were held. The best Pokemon TCG players traveled to these events to compete against others. Naturally, these tournaments also attracted hundreds, if not thousands, of players, creating opportunities for trading and playing among spectators.

Pokemon

Through these tournaments and the competitive scene, better decks and combos were discovered to defeat opponents. The highlight is the Pokemon World Championship, a testament to the popularity, dedication, and passion of the fans.

However, there are also many who are not interested in playing but are collectors of the cards. Some rare cards, especially from older generations, are worth tens of thousands of euros if they are in excellent condition. An example is the holographic Charizard, but this price can only be achieved if it is in pristine condition.

Anime and Movies – The Other World of Pokemon

Many are familiar with the Pokemon anime series. It is an essential part of the Pokemon universe and a major contributor to its widespread popularity. The series debuted in 1997 and follows the main character Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokemon Master. He is always accompanied by his first Pokemon Pikachu. Together, they travel through various regions, participate in tournaments, and encounter numerous friends and rivals.

Pokemon

However, after more than 25 years and over 1,200 episodes, the anime came to an end in 2023, bidding farewell to Ash and Pikachu. Now, after all these years, a generational shift is happening. A new anime, “Pokemon Horizons: The Series”, is on the way. This series introduces new protagonists, Roy and Liko, who embark on adventures with new Pokemon, marking the next step for the Pokemon anime. This is a big change for the franchise but also a definite evolution.

In addition to the series, there have been numerous movies, each telling its own story. The first movie, “Pokemon: The First Movie” (1998), featured Mewtwo and Mew in central roles. One of the latest films is “Pokemon Detective Pikachu,” the first live-action adaptation of the franchise. This movie combines CGI-animated Pokemon with real actors, offering a completely new perspective on the franchise.

Graphics and Design – The Aesthetics of Pokemon

As already mentioned, the visual design of Pokemon games has significantly evolved since its debut in 1996. Technological progress is, of course, responsible for this. This allowed entirely new things to be implemented with the newer consoles.

Pokemon

It all started with a simple 2D pixel graphic. But with the sixth generation, starting with “Pokemon X” and “Pokemon Y” in 2013, the transition to full 3D graphics on the Nintendo 3DS began. This made it possible to depict environments in much greater detail, and the Pokemon also looked more dynamic.

Let’s talk a bit about the different regions in the games. These are always inspired by real-world locations:

  • Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh: These regions are inspired by the Japanese areas of Kanto, Kansai, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. The cities and landscapes reflect Japanese culture and topography.
  • Unova: Unova is inspired by the American region around New York City. Here we have a mix of urban and rural areas, showcasing the diversity of the metropolis.
  • Kalos: This region is based on France, particularly the area around the capital, Paris. This region is characterized by its elegant architecture and culinary diversity.
  • Alola: Alola has a tropical vibe. This region is inspired by the Hawaiian islands. Here we see many tropical landscapes and a very relaxed lifestyle among the inhabitants.
  • Galar: Galar is inspired by Great Britain. Here we see mainly industrial cities and rural villages reminiscent of the British countryside.
  • Paldea: The newest region in the Pokemon universe is inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, namely Spain and Portugal. We see a lot of Mediterranean architecture and a wide variety of landscapes.

All these geographical references give the games a certain cultural depth. Players can discover familiar elements in fantastical worlds.

Pokemon

The design of Pokemon has been very creative. Many are inspired by real animals, plants, or mythological creatures. There are also some regional variations that reflect the cultural backgrounds of the respective game regions. An example of this is some Pokemon variations from the Alola region. These special “Alola Forms” are adaptations of well-known Pokemon to better suit the tropical environment.

With new Pokemon being introduced regularly, which are creatively designed, the franchise remains fresh and exciting. There’s always an opportunity to discover a new favorite Pokemon. What’s your favorite Pokemon?

The Importance of the Pokemon Community

Fans around the world repeatedly show their connection to the Pokemon franchise. The ways to express this are very diverse. Many showcase their fan art on Reddit or other platforms, others display their cosplays at conventions, or create something else fitting the Pokemon theme.

Pokemon

There are also many annual events like the Pokemon World Championship and much more. At these events, many fans gather, play together, and trade their cards. The 2024 World Championship took place in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was even broadcast live on Twitch, allowing fans worldwide to follow these exciting matches.

Speaking of Twitch, there are many content creators on platforms like YouTube who play Pokemon games live. Often combined with a challenge or something similar. Many professional players participating in the World Championship also stream their training live so everyone can join in the excitement.

The Influence of Pokemon on Pop Culture

Since its introduction in 1996, the Pokemon franchise has had a significant impact on pop culture. Pokemon is not just a video game and animation phenomenon but also a giant in the merchandise sector. In 2022, the brand earned 11.6 billion USD from licensed product sales. There’s an abundance of clothing, toys, plushies, trading cards, and much more. From 2021 to 2022, profits increased by a staggering 36.5%.

Pokemon

Characters like Pikachu are recognized worldwide, even by those who have never watched the anime or played the games. Phrases like “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” are widely known and used even outside the Pokemon context. Humorous memes or clips about Pokemon are also frequently created.

There are numerous crossover projects with Pokemon. One example is Pokemon x Super Smash Bros. In Super Smash Bros, there are three playable characters from the Pokemon franchise: Pikachu, Lucario, and Charizard. There’s also a Tekken-style fighting game with only Pokemon, called Pokkén Tournament.

The Future of the Pokemon Franchise

The future of the Pokemon franchise promises to be exciting. Why? For one, technology continues to improve, and Pokemon games have always kept up with the times, adapting to better technology. So we can expect even more in the future, but what’s realistic?

Pokemon

One example is AR or Augmented Reality, which blends the digital and real world, as seen in Pokemon Go. The studio behind Pokemon Go, Niantic, is currently collaborating with Qualcomm, which is developing AR glasses. This could make it possible to integrate the digital and real world even better. This opens up entirely new possibilities for Pokemon Go and other games.

Additionally, future games will integrate more AI. With improved AI, new possibilities arise for all games, especially when combined with AR. The franchise has many areas where it can continue to evolve, and it will certainly do so with better and newer technology.

Pokemon

It’s also likely that another new generation of Pokemon will emerge in the future. There are already some leaks suggesting the new region will be inspired by Australia. This would bring new unique landscapes and environments based on Australian flora and fauna.

Conclusion: What Makes Pokemon So Special?

The Pokemon franchise is more than just a series of games; that much should be clear by now. It’s a global phenomenon that has fascinated different generations. The mix of creativity, innovation, and passion makes Pokemon so unique. Pokemon has managed to combine real-world interaction with top-notch video games. This interaction was expanded further through the TCG. The anime, with over 1,200 episodes, has also entertained fans for hours.

Pokemon

The visual evolution of the franchise from pixel art to colorful 3D worlds reflects technological progress. Despite this progress, the franchise has managed to retain its essence. It’s still about Satoshi Tajiri’s hobby of collecting creatures. By incorporating real cultural influences, the game continually renews excitement.

Pokemon is not just entertainment; it fosters creativity, social interaction, and global community. It’s practically a bridge between nostalgia and innovation, as it consistently integrates the latest technology. We can look forward to new Pokemon games with new mechanics and even better graphics in the future, as well as new spin-offs and much more.

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