With continual growth and engagement, The Pokémon Company aims to enrich both virtual and real worlds.
**Pokémon CEO Envisions Longevity for Iconic Franchise Over Next Century**
**Pokémon CEO Envisions Longevity for Iconic Franchise Over Next Century**
The future of Pokémon looks bright as the CEO believes it can thrive for another 50-100 years through innovation.
In an exclusive interview, the CEO of The Pokémon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara, expressed optimism about the future of the beloved franchise, projecting its possible longevity for another 50 to even 100 years, provided it maintains a path of innovation. Since its inception on Nintendo's Game Boy in 1996, Pokémon has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, now encompassing movies, television series, and various merchandise, establishing its status as one of the highest-grossing media franchises worldwide.
Recently, the trading card game experienced a notable resurgence in popularity, albeit attracting issues such as scalping and counterfeit products, which have become significant concerns for the community. Anticipation builds towards Pokémon Day, an annual event where fans can look forward to announcements about new titles and updates for existing games, including the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch title Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Mr. Ishihara hinted at the importance of intertwining experiences within both real and virtual realms as a secret to Pokémon's longevity, citing the success of Pokémon GO as a clear example of this integration. Fans are increasingly drawn to Pokémon through various mediums, reflecting a multi-generational appeal that bolsters its fanbase and solidifies its cultural status.
The rise of scalpers, particularly in the collectible card market, poses challenges, with Ishihara addressing the negative impact this trend has on new product sales. He noted that while the second-hand market may hold value for its rarity, it complicates the company’s ability to offer new items in sufficient quantities. Ishihara has communicated a strict approach against counterfeit products, leading to multiple legal victories aimed at protecting the franchise's intellectual property.
As Pokémon prepares for its 30th anniversary next year, anticipation builds for possible remakes of the classic Game Boy games, among other special commemorations. However, Ishihara remains cautious, reiterating that the company must consistently focus on innovation to avoid stagnation. "As long as we stay committed and continue to evolve, Pokémon has a bright future ahead," he concluded.
Recently, the trading card game experienced a notable resurgence in popularity, albeit attracting issues such as scalping and counterfeit products, which have become significant concerns for the community. Anticipation builds towards Pokémon Day, an annual event where fans can look forward to announcements about new titles and updates for existing games, including the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch title Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Mr. Ishihara hinted at the importance of intertwining experiences within both real and virtual realms as a secret to Pokémon's longevity, citing the success of Pokémon GO as a clear example of this integration. Fans are increasingly drawn to Pokémon through various mediums, reflecting a multi-generational appeal that bolsters its fanbase and solidifies its cultural status.
The rise of scalpers, particularly in the collectible card market, poses challenges, with Ishihara addressing the negative impact this trend has on new product sales. He noted that while the second-hand market may hold value for its rarity, it complicates the company’s ability to offer new items in sufficient quantities. Ishihara has communicated a strict approach against counterfeit products, leading to multiple legal victories aimed at protecting the franchise's intellectual property.
As Pokémon prepares for its 30th anniversary next year, anticipation builds for possible remakes of the classic Game Boy games, among other special commemorations. However, Ishihara remains cautious, reiterating that the company must consistently focus on innovation to avoid stagnation. "As long as we stay committed and continue to evolve, Pokémon has a bright future ahead," he concluded.
