Pokémon

Pokémon

Pokémon is a beloved multimedia franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Game Freak, centered around fictional creatures called Pokémon that humans catch and train to battle each other. Starting as video games in 1996, Pokémon has become a global phenomenon encompassing anime, movies, trading cards, toys, and more. The franchise promotes themes of friendship, adventure, and personal growth as trainers journey to become Pokémon Masters.

Category
Game
Release Year
1996
Origin
Japan
Tags
Adventure
Monsters
Collection

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Pokemon (Pocket Monsters)
Aliases
Poke, Pocket Monsters
Type
Multimedia franchise (Games, Anime, Trading Cards)
Release Year
1996
Status
Ongoing (Generation 9 current)
Origin
Japan
Region
Not specified

Creation Information

Creator
Satoshi Tajiri, Ken Sugimori, Game Freak
Publisher
Nintendo, The Pokemon Company, Game Freak
Original Work
Pokemon Red and Blue (Game Boy games)
Genre
Adventure, RPG, Collection, Fantasy, Monster-catching

Content Information

Synopsis
In a world where creatures called Pokemon live alongside humans, young trainers embark on journeys to catch and train Pokemon, battle other trainers, and strive to become Pokemon Masters. Each region offers unique Pokemon species, gym challenges, and legendary encounters.
Main Characters
Ash Ketchum/Satoshi (Anime), Red/Blue (Games), Pikachu, Professor Oak, Team Rocket (Jessie, James, Meowth), various Gym Leaders and Champions
Setting
Pokemon world with multiple regions: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, Paldea
Themes
Friendship between humans and Pokemon, perseverance, respect for nature, personal growth, competition and sportsmanship, environmental conservation
Target Audience
All ages, primarily children and families, with nostalgic appeal for adults

Media Forms

Toy Lines
Pokémon Trading Card Game, Funko Pop figures, plush toys, action figures
Animated Series
Long-running anime series (1997-present), multiple movies and specials
Live Action Films
Detective Pikachu (2019), upcoming live-action projects
Comics
Pokémon Adventures manga, various comic series and graphic novels
Video Games
Main series games, spin-offs including Pokémon GO, Mystery Dungeon, and more
Merchandise
Extensive merchandise including clothing, accessories, home goods, and themed experiences

Commercial Information

Box Office
Detective Pikachu grossed over $433 million worldwide
Sales
Over 440 million video games sold, billions of trading cards
Revenue
Over $100 billion total franchise revenue, highest-grossing media franchise
Awards
Multiple awards including Kids' Choice Awards, Annie Awards
Market Value
Most valuable media franchise in the world
Licensing
Extensive global licensing for merchandise, media, and experiences

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Massive global fanbase spanning multiple generations
Communities
Bulbapedia, Reddit communities, Pokémon GO communities, competitive play circuits
Events
Pokémon World Championships, GO Fest events, conventions worldwide
Quotes
'Gotta catch 'em all!', 'I choose you!', 'Pokémon, gotta catch 'em all!'
Memes
Extensive meme culture around Pokémon, battles, and memorable moments
Cosplay
Popular cosplay subject with trainer outfits and Pokémon costumes

Historical Development

1996
First Pokémon games (Red and Green) released in Japan
1997
Anime series premieres in Japan
1998
International expansion begins with games and anime
1999
Pokémon Trading Card Game launches globally
2016
Pokémon GO mobile game becomes global phenomenon
2019
First live-action film Detective Pikachu released
2022
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduce open-world gameplay
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