Pokemon is Back with a New Gaming App

A New Era for the Popular Franchise

With over 60 million downloads and an estimated US$180 million in revenue since late October, a new Pokémon mobile game app is enjoying worldwide success as the latest incarnation of the hit Nintendo-owned franchise. The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, developed by The Pokémon Company, a Nintendo subsidiary, combines opening “boosters” – the equivalent of sealed card packs – with collecting creatures and online battles.

A Success Story

The game has shown one of the strongest performances of any mobile game of all-time, according to Sam Aune, an analyst at digital market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. The group estimates it generated around US$180 million through the Apple and Google app stores in just six weeks. This is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise, which has been a cultural phenomenon for decades.

Beyond the Screen

The new surge in interest in Pokémon is not limited to the online world. Sales of physical cards are rising, and the game is back in fashion among school children. “It brings players back into the Pokémon brand,” explained Frederique Tutt, a toy market expert at Circana, a market research firm. “And physical cards remain the heart of the brand, something collectors want to own for playing and trading.”

A New Twist on a Classic Concept

Popularized in the 1990s, the concept of collectible trading cards has since been adapted into many video games. Pokémon TCG Pocket has “very effectively brought that card pack opening and playing experience to digital,” says Simon Carless, founder of the analyst firm GameDiscoverCo. “It’s actually a very unchanged experience compared to the physical card game – which was smart, and that’s why people love it.”

Global Phenomenon

Other video game adaptations of the Pokémon trading card universe date back decades. A Game Boy title was released in Europe in 2000, followed by another for PCs in the early 2010s. While Pokémon TCG Pocket is free to download, players are encouraged to spend money in-app to acquire more cards. Sacha Bernard, a 33-year-old teacher from the Paris suburb Creteil, said he was drawn in by nostalgia for the characters and the “short and fast” gameplay sessions. “Since it launched, I must have spent around 70 euros,” he told AFP. “It’s really the first time a mobile game has made me spend that kind of money.”

Conclusion

The success of Pokémon TCG Pocket is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise. The game’s ability to bring the classic concept of collectible trading cards to the digital realm has resonated with fans around the world. With its engaging gameplay and nostalgic value, Pokémon TCG Pocket is sure to continue to be a hit among gamers and collectors alike.

FAQs

* What is Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Pokémon TCG Pocket is a new mobile game app that combines opening “boosters” – the equivalent of sealed card packs – with collecting creatures and online battles.
* How successful is the game?
The game has generated over 60 million downloads and an estimated US$180 million in revenue since its release.
* Is the game free to download?
Yes, the game is free to download, but players are encouraged to spend money in-app to acquire more cards.
* What is the goal of the game?
The goal of the game is to collect and trade cards, as well as participate in online battles with other players.