Pokémon

Definition

Pokémon refers to a media franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, centered around fictional creatures called 'Pokémon' that humans, known as Pokémon Trainers, catch and train to battle each other for sport. The franchise began with video games in the mid-1990s and has expanded into an animated TV series, movies, trading card games, toys, and various merchandise, influencing global popular culture significantly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first Pokémon games were released in 1996 for the Game Boy and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, leading to widespread recognition of the franchise.
2. The animated TV series debuted in 1997 and features Ash Ketchum and his journey to become a Pokémon Master, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide.
3. Pokémon has created a vast universe with over 800 different species of Pokémon, each with unique abilities, types, and evolutions.
4. The franchise has generated billions of dollars in revenue, making it one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
5. Pokémon Go, a mobile augmented reality game released in 2016, reinvigorated interest in the franchise and introduced Pokémon to a new generation of fans.

Review Questions

• How did Pokémon evolve from a video game into a global cultural phenomenon?
  • Pokémon started as a pair of video games released for the Game Boy in 1996. Its engaging gameplay of catching and battling creatures resonated with players, leading to the launch of an animated series in 1997 that further captivated audiences. The franchise's ability to expand into various forms of media such as trading cards, toys, and movies contributed to its growth, creating a multi-faceted universe that appealed to both children and adults worldwide.
• Discuss the impact of Pokémon on global popular culture and its significance in shaping youth entertainment.
  • Pokémon has significantly influenced global popular culture by introducing concepts like collecting, trading, and battling fictional creatures that resonate with young audiences. The franchise's characters and themes have permeated various forms of entertainment, including TV shows, movies, merchandise, and even fashion trends. By fostering a sense of community among fans through games like Pokémon Go and local trading events, it has established a cultural legacy that continues to inspire new generations.
• Evaluate the role of technology in transforming the experience of Pokémon from traditional gaming to augmented reality applications like Pokémon Go.
  • The evolution of technology has dramatically transformed how fans interact with the Pokémon franchise. Initially rooted in traditional gaming formats like handheld consoles, advancements led to innovative platforms such as mobile devices. Pokémon Go utilized augmented reality technology to allow players to explore their real-world surroundings while catching Pokémon. This transformation not only revitalized interest in the franchise but also changed gaming paradigms by integrating social interaction and physical activity into gameplay, demonstrating how technology can reshape entertainment experiences.

Related terms

Nintendo: A Japanese video game company that played a crucial role in the development and popularization of the Pokémon franchise through its gaming consoles.

Anime: A style of animation that originated in Japan, which has been pivotal in bringing Pokémon to global audiences through its TV series and films.

Trading Card Game: A collectible card game based on the Pokémon franchise, allowing players to build decks and battle against each other using their favorite Pokémon.