It’s been 29 years since the Pokémon franchise debuted in Japan. With over $88 billion in revenue to date, Pokémon has become the most accomplished media franchise in the world, surpassing even Disney’s IPs.
Before Pokémon arrived in the USA in 1998 and Europe in 1999, some bizarre ideas surfaced on how to adapt the Japanese phenomenon for Western audiences.
## Ideas for Pokémon in the West
Gail Tilden, former Marketing Head at Nintendo of America, revealed these plans. She recounted that Nintendo’s PR firm suggested changing the Japanese style of the Pokémon games. This included making the world darker and recasting trainers as baseball league participants rather of Pokémon League members.
*”Before I was involved as team lead, we had all seen the game. A black and white RPG on the Game Boy with very Japanese characters. And then our advertising agency said we could just change the style and it would be gloomier. And we could put graffiti on the walls and things like that,”* Gail Tilden said.
*”There was also the idea of designing the game so that they are all baseball players in a baseball league, and not like in a Pokémon league?”*
## Pokémon stayed Pokémon
The success of Pokémon in Japan, ensured that Pokémon looked the same in the West as the original.
*”While the discussions and meetings went on for a few months, Pokémon became more and more popular. There were TV shows. There were comics. Movies and even more games and toys. And eventually Mr. Arakawa said: ‘Forget it. We just do it. […] We want control over the whole thing.”*
## What’s the next Pokémon game?
The Pokémon Company revealed new details about Pokémon Legends: Z-A, including the release period. Furthermore, a brand-new game was also presented that is strongly based on Pokémon Colosseum.
besides the proposed changes to the visuals and setting,were there any other aspects of Pokémon’s adaptation for Western audiences that were heavily debated or considered?
Pokémon’s Journey to the West: Your Burning Questions Answered
The Pokémon franchise has captivated the world for nearly three decades.But how close did it come to being a very different experience in the West? Let’s dive into some of the key questions surrounding Pokémon’s adaptation for Western audiences.
Q&A: Unveiling the Pokémon Secret
Q: Why was there a push to change Pokémon for western audiences?
A: Nintendo’s PR firm believed the original Japanese style of Pokémon – with its luminous, colorful world and distinct character designs – might not resonate with Western audiences. They proposed a darker, grittier aesthetic to make it more appealing.
Trivia: Imagine a Pokémon world covered in graffiti, with trainers competing in a baseball league! It’s a far cry from the Pokémon League we know and love.
Q: What specific changes were proposed?
A: The advertising agency suggested making the game’s visuals “gloomier,” adding graffiti, and replacing the Pokémon league concept with a baseball league setting.
Q: Why weren’t these proposed changes implemented?
A: The increasing popularity of Pokémon in Japan, coupled with the original vision of Mr. Arakawa, ensured that the franchise would remain true to its roots. They wanted to maintain creative control and stay true to the original product.
Actionable Advice: Always stay true to your original vision, even when adapting to new markets! Authenticity frequently enough wins.
Q: what is the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
A: Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the newest installment in the Pokémon Legends series, set to be released in 2025. It’s likely to follow a similar open-world approach as its predecessor, Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Trivia: The game takes place in Lumiose city,the setting of Pokémon X and Y,promising a whole new adventure!
Q: What is the new game based on Pokémon Colosseum?
A: No specific details have been released about this new game,but it is indeed likely to be a reimagining or a spiritual successor to the popular GameCube title.
Understanding the history of Pokémon’s Western debut provides a fascinating glimpse into the decisions that shaped the franchise we know today. Stay tuned for more updates on Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the new game based on colosseum!
