How did Pokémon begin and what was its initial reception?

Pokémon began with the release of Red and Blue versions in Japan in 1996, inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's love for bug collecting. It was initially met with suspicion and criticism, even being labeled a 'pestilential Ponzi scheme'.

What makes Pokémon a social game?

Pokémon was designed to be social from the start, requiring players to trade and battle creatures to complete their collections. This facilitated connection, initially through Game Boy link cables and later through online interactions and games like Pokémon Go.

How much revenue has the Pokémon franchise generated?

As of the article's reporting, the Pokémon franchise has generated north of $100 billion through its games, TV series, merchandise, trading cards, and more, making it the highest-grossing entertainment franchise of all time.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Pokémon: 30 Years of Connection, Not Just Games

Pokémon: 30 Years of Connection, Not Just Games

6 Feb

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Summary

Pokémon celebrates 30 years, evolving from a niche game to a global phenomenon.
Initially criticized, it's now the highest-grossing entertainment franchise ever.
Designed to be social, it fosters connection through trading and battling.

Pokémon: 30 Years of Connection, Not Just Games

Nintendo's Pokémon franchise, launched with Red and Blue versions in Japan in 1996, now celebrates its 30th anniversary. Initially criticized as a 'pestilential Ponzi scheme,' it has become the highest-grossing entertainment franchise globally, surpassing $100 billion. The series, inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's childhood bug collecting, was designed to be social, encouraging players to trade and battle creatures to complete their collections. This built-in social aspect, novel in the late 90s, has evolved with technology, from Game Boy link cables to the global phenomenon of Pokémon Go in 2016. The game's world offers a fantasy of self-determination, free from adult supervision, resonating with millennials. Despite early skepticism and xenophobic moral panics in the US and Europe around 1998-1999, Pokémon's enduring appeal is rooted in its message of connection, friendship, and harmony with nature. As of 2025, 38 games have been released, with Tajiri still involved in development.