It’s no exaggeration to say that the Pokémon franchise is huge. But I think just reporting sales numbers for video games, trading cards, and tons of merchandise only paints half the picture. not. Or, you’ve almost certainly run into people playing Pokémon GO in your city. No. All these aspects make up the Pokémon community, but at the Pokémon World Championships (hereafter referred to as “World”) held in London this past weekend, many players, enthusiasts and avid fans were introduced to the franchise. I could really understand what was driving me to. It’s such a huge event in scope and scale that at first I had a hard time understanding what was so special about it, but eventually I realized that it was more rooted in Pokémon than ever before. I got
On paper, Worlds is pretty easy to understand, but explaining it to people unfamiliar with what it entails was eye-opening. I tasted it for the first time just before boarding a plane to London, when the military police asked me what I was planning to do in London.
I’m a little hesitant “I’m going to the Pokemon World Championship” He: “Eh, the Pokemon Championship? What do they do? Card games?” Video games, and everything in between,” expecting him to roll his eyes and hand me back my passport. !”
It’s kind of weird in hindsight that I underestimated people’s general connection to Pokémon as a brand. I believe the brand is strong enough to easily survive another 25 years, but being recognized and being positively understood means two things. Big difference. I doubt this gendarme knew about my favorite Pokemon (Excadril), but the fact that he immediately came up with the idea for a Pokemon World Championship is something I’ve rarely seen. And this was even before I boarded the plane and attended some truly amazing events.
What makes Worlds so different from traditional conventions and gaming events is the immediate connection you have with all the other attendees. Some people came just to see the dedicated Pokemon Center, which was lined with exclusive and expensive items, but most people came to actively enjoy the activities on offer. Such as participating in a fun play lab where you can learn how to play a trading card game. (TCG), participate in stops and events exclusive to Pokémon GO to catch rare events and legendary Pokémon. Even the Nintendo Switch demo with only Pokémon Legends: Arceus was busy all the time. Time and time again I’ve found parents reconnecting with Pokémon for the first time in 20 years after being inspired by their own child. Or words can’t say it all. Certainly, I felt like I had aged at once, but the appearance after the shock had passed was heartwarming.
This is where the event’s wonderful organization and decoration should be given particular emphasis.From the phenomenal Pokemon Center, which is entirely themed to London highlights in both the store itself and merchandise, featuring all kinds of Pokemon. Down to the hallway filled with giant banners. The energy was just electricity and the staff were very helpful throughout the event. The main stage was definitely the highlight. The audience seating and views were amazing, as well as the elaborate set design, such as the double-decker bus and giant ornaments. The opening ceremony in particular made good use of this. Mr. Ishihara may have opened the event, but it really erupted when the promo video pitting Pachirisu against Galchom, Salamanth and Tyranitar started playing, fans and his 2014 VGC his Masters A great tribute to his finals. During the event, he met his friend Christiaan Smit, who qualified for the TCG Championship for the first time after participating in regional tournaments all season. Especially at that opening ceremony, he felt part of the event and the community at large.
“There was something about that video that made me cry. I saw previous champions receiving trophies in that video and knew I could be one of them. “
A great opening video made for kicking off the World Championships. You can see that the audience is excited. pic.twitter.com/AyYWu3aYjk
— Nintendo World Report (@Nintendo_NWR) August 18, 2022
That strong desire and participation was evident at nearly every event I was able to watch. I was worried. The TCG and VGC competitions were held in different divisions (junior, senior, master), but just seeing so many people come together and celebrate Pokemon in so many different ways made me think of his I think we can bring it to the end of 2018. that day. Side events especially showed this. Specifically, I was impressed by the fun outdoor area called Pokemon World Square. Here you’ll meet dancing Pikachu and Eevee, sip refreshing Boba on his tea, and London his cable across the Thames. Another Pokemon typing. I could simply feel that love for Pokémon was the driving force behind this event, which was especially interesting given that it was the only Generation 8 to compete in the World Championship.
It’s hard to avoid controversial topics when talking about Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. I think I felt that something was missing. You’ve probably seen someone stink “Pokémon is ruined forever” in an online comment section, Twitter, or reddit thread. I think there were spectators and participating groups who thought that, but I was reminded once again that Pokemon fans are all calm. Sword and Shield have been out of the limelight from a competitive perspective due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last few years, not only have I noticed my interest in Pokémon waning a bit, but I’ve also wanted to compete in the VGC. Seeing people perform at this level was inspiring on a level I never thought possible. You can, but being part of this large audience while rooting for Pokémon and having fun in all things is what you really need to feel yourself.
Pokemon Sword and Shield was undoubtedly a huge success at its only Pokemon World screening. It felt everywhere. Not only because the event was entirely focused on 8th generation games, there were few references to Scarlett and Violet outside of the one photo stand and caps for new starters, but the show It’s also because Ishihara literally began by stating that a new trailer would appear in between. Worlds closing ceremony and other announcements. Maybe it was the energy you could feel throughout the event, but there was so much excitement leading up to the showcase for the next generation of Pokémon. Pokemon definitely delivered.
In this next gen, I think Game Freak is really doing everything in its power to please as many parts of its diverse fanbase as possible. I’m not a TCG expert, but the third generation player base with the introduction of EX cards has been very well received. did. By announcing the return of these fan-favorite mechanics and emphasizing that this is about introducing diversity in Pokémon selection and lineups, player creativity will be the primary focus for playing the next generation of trading. Set to be the focal point.Card game. On top of that, Scarlett and Violet’s new trailer focused specifically on the new combat items and how the new Terrastarizing mechanic affects competitive combat. We are so excited to see how you can create a truly unique team for . They show loyalty to the most stubborn players. Not commenters screaming under every YouTube video, but people actively seeking out these events to connect and compete with each other.
On the flight home, I realized that Pokémon Worlds not only gave me hope for the future of Pokémon, but also breathed a spark of hope inside me. Even if Scarlett and Violet happen to be disappointed, even if the final evolution of Starter his Pokemon will be a bipedal humanoid his creature, online commenters are sane again due to lack of proper shading on trees. Even if you lose the , it’s not. important to me. Because after all, I know the people I see attending and coming out of events like this are the real reason I still enjoy Pokémon, 25 years later. Learning from others and being open to sharing moments of joy with strangers is what drives us to become better people. I don’t know them, and I’ll probably never agree with them, but watching Pachirisu and Salamanth face each other has an emotional outburst moment.
Of course I had to go through the gendarmes again during passport checks back to Holland.
He: “Where are you from?” Me: “I went to London for the Pokemon World Championship.” I really should have reported about it and enjoyed the tournament.” He: “Oh, that must have been amazing.”
It really was.
