Pokemon boss Tsunekazu Ishihara says he believes "Pokemon has the power to connect the world," a hope that serves as "a major driving force for me as I think about how to produce the next game" in the series.
Ishihara, who serves as both president and CEO of The Pokemon Company, shared a sentimental video message about the series and its growth over the last 30 years for this year's New York Game Awards, where Pokemon won the Andrew Yoon Legend Award, which – per the New York Videogame Critics Circle – is awarded to "those who have propelled the gaming world forward, celebrating their profound impact on an industry that continues to captivate and connect people worldwide."
Thanking fans and critics for their support, Ishihara acknowledges that while the Pokemon devs have "faced many challenges along the way" – he points to the development of the original RPGs, Pokemon Red and Green – "one of our greatest joys was seeing how Pokemon was embraced outside of Japan. To be honest, I was uncertain at first – would this game, created in Japan, really be enjoyed by people overseas?"
Of course, Ishihara had nothing to be concerned about there. He looks to the annual Pokemon World Championships, where "we see trainers from all around the world battling, trading, and having fun with Pokemon." He continues: "When I see so many people enjoying Pokemon with smiles on their faces, transcending language and cultural barriers, I truly feel that Pokemon has the power to connect the world. That feeling becomes a major driving force for me as I think about how to produce the next game – and how we can make it even more enjoyable for everyone."
Game Freak and The Pokemon Company have remained tight-lipped about what the next main installment of the series has in store for us, although we're definitely getting some new Pokemon content this year, as upcoming life-sim spin-off Pokopia is set to launch on March 5.
Wrapping things up, Ishihara reiterates his belief that "Pokemon has already provided a space where people all around the world can meet, connect, and grow together," adding that he's "convinced of the richness and depth of the world within the original video games, and their universal appeal that allows anyone to enjoy them."
He concludes: "This year we will celebrate 30 years of Pokemon. We will continue doing our best to deliver new Pokemon worlds to people all around the world, and we hope that you will all continue to enjoy Pokemon for a long time to come."
