What Does Pokémon Mean to Fans After 30 Years?

Pokémon, the iconic franchise that began with a simple video game in 1996, has grown into a cultural phenomenon over the past three decades, encompassing animated series, movies, trading cards, and mobile games like Pokémon Go! Its enduring appeal lies in its accessibility and diverse community, which allows fans to engage with the franchise in numerous ways, from battling and collecting to socialising through its vibrant fandom.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary, the franchise continues to thrive, with new games and ongoing community events keeping fans engaged. The recent launch of Pokémon Legends Z-A has garnered praise for its innovative gameplay, selling over 12 million copies already. Meanwhile, the Pokémon trading card game (TCG) has seen a resurgence in popularity, despite challenges with scalpers and resellers impacting accessibility. The community remains vibrant, with diverse groups of fans coming together to share their love for Pokémon across various platforms.

Key takeaways

• Pokémon has evolved into a multi-faceted franchise with a wide range of media and engagement options.
• The Pokémon community is diverse and inclusive, welcoming fans of all backgrounds and interests.
• Recent controversies in the TCG scene highlight challenges with accessibility due to resale markets.
• Innovations in gameplay, such as those seen in Pokémon Legends Z-A, contribute to ongoing interest.
• Many fans express deep personal connections to the franchise, citing its role in their lives.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief timeline of key events in the Pokémon franchise:

• 1996: The original Pokémon games are launched in Japan on the Nintendo Game Boy.
• 1998: The animated TV series debuts outside Japan, sparking "Pokémania."
• 1999: Pokémon Trading Card Game is released, further expanding the franchise's reach.
• 2016: Pokémon Go! is launched, bringing Pokémon into the real world via augmented reality, leading to over a billion downloads.
• 2023: Pokémon Legends Z-A is released, praised for its gameplay and selling over 12 million copies.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions surrounding Pokémon have focused on the release of Pokémon Legends Z-A, which has received positive reviews for its innovative gameplay and engaging mechanics. Additionally, the trading card game has garnered renewed interest, even amid challenges of accessibility due to increased demand and scalping by resellers.

What was already established

Pokémon has long been known for its expansive universe, including thousands of creatures and various ways to engage with the franchise. The community has been a cornerstone of its success, fostering connections among fans and creating a supportive environment for newcomers and veterans alike.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

In the UK, Pokémon's influence is seen in the popularity of its merchandise, games, and community events. Families engage with the franchise through various media, including video games, trading cards, and animated series, creating a multi-generational appeal. However, rising prices due to the resale market can make access to certain products, particularly trading cards, challenging for some fans.

Businesses and jobs

The Pokémon franchise has significantly impacted various sectors, from gaming to retail. Local businesses often host Pokémon TCG events, fostering community engagement while boosting sales. Additionally, with the rise of content creators, many fans have turned their passion for Pokémon into full-time jobs, contributing to the growing gig economy.

Policy and regulation

The Pokémon Company has faced challenges in regulating the resale market for cards, as CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara noted. As interest in Pokémon cards surges, upcoming discussions around consumer protection and fair trading practices may become more prevalent, particularly in relation to scalping and accessibility issues for fans in the UK.

Numbers that matter

• Over 12 million copies of Pokémon Legends Z-A sold within weeks of its release.
• More than 1 billion downloads of Pokémon Go! have been recorded globally.
• The Pokémon franchise is reportedly the highest-grossing media franchise in history, surpassing £100 billion in total revenue.
• Pokémon TCG saw a 400% increase in interest during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Over 25 years of Pokémon games have been released since the original launch.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Pokémon: A fictional creature from the Pokémon franchise, which players can catch, train, and battle.
• TCG: Trading Card Game; a collectible card game where players build decks and battle against each other.
• Pokémania: A term coined to describe the overwhelming popularity of Pokémon during its initial rise in the late 1990s.
• Augmented reality: A technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, used in games like Pokémon Go!

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should look out for community events, both online and in-person, celebrating the 30th anniversary. New merchandise and game expansions are likely to be announced, appealing to both collectors and casual players alike.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Pokémon continues to evolve, fans should expect innovations in gameplay and storytelling in future releases. The ongoing discussions around the trading card market could lead to regulatory changes, impacting availability and pricing.

Signals to watch

• Upcoming announcements from The Pokémon Company regarding new games or expansions.
• Trends in the trading card market, particularly any changes in accessibility or regulation.
• Community engagement levels at events, signalling the health of the franchise's fanbase.

Practical guidance

Do

• Engage with the community through local events or online platforms.
• Stay updated on new releases and expansions to ensure you're not missing out.
• Respect the trading card market by avoiding scalpers and supporting fair purchasing practices.

Don’t

• Don't dismiss newcomers to the franchise; inclusivity is key to the community's growth.
• Avoid hoarding cards or merchandise for resale, as this contributes to accessibility issues.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of personal connections made through shared interests in Pokémon.

Checklist

• Attend a local Pokémon event or tournament.
• Join an online community to connect with other fans.
• Explore different ways to play Pokémon, whether through video games, cards, or mobile apps.
• Keep an eye on new releases and trends in the Pokémon community.
• Participate in discussions about the future of the franchise and potential regulatory changes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Pokémon continues to thrive, the franchise faces challenges, particularly in the trading card market. Scalpers and resellers are creating barriers for many fans, leading to concerns about accessibility. Additionally, the video game series has received criticism for a perceived lack of innovation, which could impact future engagement if not addressed. Fans should remain aware of these dynamics as they engage with the franchise.

Bottom line

The Pokémon franchise has successfully adapted over 30 years, maintaining relevance through innovation and community engagement. As it reaches new generations of fans, both challenges and opportunities lie ahead. Staying engaged with the community and being aware of market dynamics will enhance the Pokémon experience for all.

FAQs

Why is Pokémon still popular after 30 years?

Pokémon's enduring popularity stems from its diverse community, innovative gameplay, and ability to connect with fans of all ages through various media, ensuring it remains relevant across generations.

What are the main challenges facing Pokémon today?

Challenges include accessibility issues in the trading card market due to scalpers and concerns around innovation in video game releases, which could affect future engagement.

How can new fans get involved in the Pokémon community?

New fans can join local events, online forums, and social media groups, where they can connect with others and learn more about Pokémon, whether through games, cards, or the animated series.