Pokémon, a franchise that has captivated audiences since 1996, has achieved remarkable success, generating over $40 billion in revenue within its first two decades. As the series approaches its 30th anniversary, The Pokémon Company’s CEO, Tsunekazu Ishihara, envisions a future where the franchise thrives for another 50 to 100 years.

A Vision for the Future

In a recent interview, Ishihara emphasized the importance of continuous innovation to ensure Pokémon’s longevity. He stated that complacency could lead to the franchise’s decline, underscoring the need for ongoing evolution and adaptation.

The Pokémon Company has demonstrated its commitment to innovation through recent releases:

• Pokémon Legends: Z-A: An upcoming Nintendo Switch title set in the Kalos region, introducing real-time combat mechanics.
• Pokémon Champions: A new multiplayer game focusing on battling, allowing players to import their Pokémon from other titles.
• Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket: A digital version of the beloved card game, offering a modern, mobile experience.

Strategic Focus

Ishihara highlighted the advantage of being a private company, allowing profits to be reinvested directly into the franchise. This strategy enables The Pokémon Company to maintain a singular focus on enriching both the real and virtual worlds of Pokémon, ensuring sustained engagement across generations.