Summary
Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades since its start as a game in Japan. The franchise includes TV shows, movies, a popular mobile game called Pokémon Go, and trading cards, and it remains popular with fans worldwide. Fans explain that Pokémon's appeal comes from its versatility and the many ways people can enjoy it.
Key Facts
- Pokémon began as a game called Pocket Monsters in Japan 30 years ago.
- It developed into a global phenomenon with an animated TV series, movies, and trading cards.
- The franchise includes Pokémon Go, a mobile game downloaded over a billion times.
- Schools banned trading cards at one point due to their popularity.
- Pokémon's accessibility and variety of gameplay contribute to its lasting success.
- The franchise faced issues with card resale markets, driven by high-profile purchases.
- CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara stated it's hard to control the resale market for the cards.