The Pokémon Company, a titan in the media franchise world, has set its sights on a future that could span another half-century or more. Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO since 1998, revealed in a recent interview with BBC News that continued innovation and expansion into various media will be key to sustaining the beloved franchise. Since its inception on Nintendo’s Game Boy in 1996, Pokémon has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, encompassing films, television, toys, and a wildly popular trading card game.
Ishihara noted that as Pokémon approaches its 30th anniversary next year, the aim is to "enrich both the real world and the virtual world." Pokémon GO, the mobile app that brilliantly merges gameplay with real-world exploration, exemplifies this mission. "That is our biggest strength," he stated, emphasizing the necessity for inventive ideas to keep the franchise relevant and engaging.
As the trading card game experiences a resurgence, the presence of scalpers and counterfeiters poses significant issues. Ishihara discussed the negative impact the second-hand market has on Pokémon merchandise sales and acknowledged the company’s ongoing efforts to combat fakes. "We have fought rigorously against clones and fakes since the beginning," he asserted, highlighting a recent victory in a patent infringement case against a Chinese app developer.
The Pokémon International Championships, held last weekend in London, showcased the franchise’s appeal across generations, drawing 13,000 enthusiasts eager to connect over their shared love for Pokémon. Ishihara identified the franchise's success as rooted in its role as a "tool of communication," allowing fans to bond over the array of unique characters and gameplay experiences.
With a firm focus on Pokémon, Ishihara believes the company can reinvest profits directly into the franchise without unfavorable influences from shareholders. As Ash Ketchum and Pikachu bid farewell to the animated series at the end of 2023, fans are already speculating on exciting developments for the future, including remakes of the classic games.
As the company gears up for its milestone anniversary, Ishihara remains optimistic: “If we maintain our mission, Pokémon can likely see its 50th or even 100th anniversary. But we mustn't become complacent.” The future of Pokémon looks bright, particularly with ongoing efforts to leverage innovation and address market challenges.
Ishihara noted that as Pokémon approaches its 30th anniversary next year, the aim is to "enrich both the real world and the virtual world." Pokémon GO, the mobile app that brilliantly merges gameplay with real-world exploration, exemplifies this mission. "That is our biggest strength," he stated, emphasizing the necessity for inventive ideas to keep the franchise relevant and engaging.
As the trading card game experiences a resurgence, the presence of scalpers and counterfeiters poses significant issues. Ishihara discussed the negative impact the second-hand market has on Pokémon merchandise sales and acknowledged the company’s ongoing efforts to combat fakes. "We have fought rigorously against clones and fakes since the beginning," he asserted, highlighting a recent victory in a patent infringement case against a Chinese app developer.
The Pokémon International Championships, held last weekend in London, showcased the franchise’s appeal across generations, drawing 13,000 enthusiasts eager to connect over their shared love for Pokémon. Ishihara identified the franchise's success as rooted in its role as a "tool of communication," allowing fans to bond over the array of unique characters and gameplay experiences.
With a firm focus on Pokémon, Ishihara believes the company can reinvest profits directly into the franchise without unfavorable influences from shareholders. As Ash Ketchum and Pikachu bid farewell to the animated series at the end of 2023, fans are already speculating on exciting developments for the future, including remakes of the classic games.
As the company gears up for its milestone anniversary, Ishihara remains optimistic: “If we maintain our mission, Pokémon can likely see its 50th or even 100th anniversary. But we mustn't become complacent.” The future of Pokémon looks bright, particularly with ongoing efforts to leverage innovation and address market challenges.
