The Pokemon Company aims to maintain younger generations’ interest in Pokemon

Pokemon Franchise Aims to Attract New Fans While Maintaining Its Core Audience

The Pokemon franchise, which has been captivating fans for 25 years, is facing a new challenge: attracting a younger audience while keeping its existing fanbase engaged. In a recent interview with LADbible, Takato Utsunomiya, the chief operations officer of The Pokemon Company, discussed the importance of appealing to the next generation of fans to ensure the long-lasting success of the franchise.

The Need for New Fans

As the Pokemon franchise continues to evolve and expand, it relies heavily on its dedicated fanbase that grew up with the brand in the 90s and 2000s. These fans, now adults, have remained loyal to the franchise, fueling its success over the years. However, Utsunomiya acknowledges that in order to secure the future of Pokemon, the brand needs to attract new, young fans.

Utsunomiya emphasized the significance of passing on Pokemon to the next generation, stating, “our goal is to keep passing on Pokemon to the next generation, over the span of hundreds of hundreds of years.” To achieve this, the franchise must ensure that it remains appealing and relevant to younger audiences.

The Challenge of Capturing Kids’ Interest

Utsunomiya acknowledged that capturing the interest of children is not an easy task. Kids are known for their honesty and will quickly dismiss anything they find old or boring. To overcome this challenge, The Pokemon Company must continuously make Pokemon feel new and exciting for the younger audience.

While it may be tempting to focus solely on adult fans, Utsunomiya stressed the importance of catering to the younger demographic. Although children may have limited spending power, they are highly selective about how they spend their money. Therefore, it is crucial for Pokemon to offer compelling experiences that genuinely interest them.

Strategies for Keeping Kids Interested

To maintain the interest of younger fans, The Pokemon Company must adopt strategies that resonate with them. Utsunomiya did not go into specific details about their plans, but it is clear that they are aware of the need to continuously innovate and create fresh experiences.

One potential strategy could be leveraging social media platforms to engage with younger fans directly. By actively listening to their feedback and incorporating their ideas, Pokemon can ensure that the franchise remains relevant and exciting for its target audience.

Conclusion

The Pokemon franchise’s longevity and success can be attributed to its dedicated fanbase, many of whom have grown up with the brand. However, in order to secure its future, Pokemon must also attract new fans from younger generations. The Pokemon Company is aware of this challenge and is committed to keeping the franchise fresh and appealing to kids. By focusing on the interests and preferences of the younger audience, Pokemon aims to maintain its status as a beloved and enduring franchise for years to come.

Sources: LADbible

Thanks to Greatsong1 for the tip!