tech
February 6, 2026
‘Christian pastors declared Pikachu to be a demon’: how Pokémon went from moral panic to unifying global hit
Nintendo’s monster-collecting franchise was pilloried as a ‘pestilential Ponzi scheme’ in the 90s. But as its celebrates its 30th birthday, it now stands as a powerful example of video games’ ability to connect people
TL;DR
- Pokémon originated from creator Satoshi Tajiri's childhood hobby of collecting bugs and his teenage passion for video games.
- The franchise was initially viewed with suspicion and even condemned by some, such as Christian pastors who declared Pikachu a demon.
- Pokémon games were designed to be social, requiring players to trade and battle to complete their collections, a novel concept in the late 90s.
- It has become the highest-grossing entertainment franchise of all time, surpassing major properties like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Pokémon Go, launched in 2016, became the most popular mobile game in US history, emphasizing connection with local areas and people.
- The franchise's themes of trust, friendship, hard work, evolution, and harmony with nature contribute to its enduring appeal.
Continue reading the original article