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Is Pokemon just a game for kids? One Game Freak veteran doesn't think so, previously suggesting that the belief comes from "a misunderstanding" rather than reality.
Obviously, Pokemon has a lot of adult fans (hi), and I'd guess there's probably more than ever as the series turns 30. After all, many fans who were kids when they started playing have stuck with the franchise throughout their lives, and still enjoy it all these years later. Even before this big anniversary, though, veteran Game Freak artist Ken Sugimori once dismissed the idea that the RPGs are only for a younger audience.
Sugimori, who served as a character and monster designer in the original games (he's responsible for that lovely watercolor-style artwork of all the Gen 1 'mons), and in more recent entries has held a number of supervisor roles, expressed his thoughts on the matter back in an old interview with games™ (a sister publication to Retro Gamer). "People think that Pokemon is a game for children but I believe that's a misunderstanding," he said at the time.
It might sound a little funny considering that every entry in the series has sat with a firmly child-friendly age rating. However, I think it's safe to say he was trying to defend any adult fans who enjoy the games, too, rather than dismissing their appeal to kids entirely.
And, obviously, his statement wasn't meant to signify an enormous upcoming change in tone for the series, as it's remained consistent in the years since the interview, although it's arguably dabbled in slightly more mature themes in the more recent games. The big twist of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet was surprisingly dark, and Legends: Arceus' basic concept of being sent back in time to a land where all your favorite creatures will mercilessly attack you on sight out in the harsh wilderness is pretty brutal in itself.
At the end of the day, though, Pokemon is a game for everyone, and clearly Game Freak thinks so, too – there's no shame as far as the devs are concerned if you're 9 or 90.
While you're here, be sure to check out our ranking of the best Pokemon games.
