Global Pokémon Frenzy
"Huh? Is this an email from a game agent?"
In a mansion in the capital, Indra, who had just woken up, received an email from a game agent. The content was straightforward: an agent from an international gaming company wanted to discuss buying the full rights to "Pokémon."
This agent had grand ambitions. They were interested not only in the game's rights but also in the animation, comic series "Pokémon Special Edition," and the production rights for various figures. They wanted the entire package.
The proposed price was substantial: $15 million to buy out the full rights. For a game that had only been released a month ago, this was a significant offer.
The sincerity of the Chinese agent was undeniable. However, Indra firmly declined the offer. For any other game, such a sum could provide a lifetime of luxury. But this was "Pokémon," the biggest game of the previous world. Trying to buy it outright at that price? Dream on.
This email, however, gave Indra an idea. The "Pokémon" game, animation, comics, and other media had quickly saturated the market. It was time to expand into the international market.
"System, use points to develop foreign versions of 'Pokémon' games, animations, and comics," Indra commanded, deciding to handle overseas copyrights himself.
As the development of these versions progressed, international streamers began to broadcast the original game live online.
"Guys, I don't understand the language, but choosing this red fire dinosaur should be fine, right?" one streamer said.
"Why do I die even when I walk outside the battle screen? Is there an online guide?" another asked.
"What? I need to use a Chinese search engine to check the strategy? I have to download a web page translator to read it in English?"
"Can someone explain why my yellow mouse can't harm this big rock snake?"
On ChinaTube's console gaming area, various streamers struggled with the untranslated version of "Pokémon." The game looked fun but was incomprehensible.
Those who only knew English found it even more challenging. Streamers who broadcasted the "Pokémon" animation had to flip through English-Chinese dictionaries to explain what Ash was saying to their viewers.
"WHAT? Do you want me to translate what this electric mouse is saying?"
"It's just a little Pokémon; they don't speak human language… huh? You'll give me a gift if I translate?"
"Wait, I'll find the translations on the Chinese website!"
As for streamers showing the comics, the language barrier was a minor obstacle. They simply enjoyed the Pokémon battles depicted in the screenshots.
Chinese streamers who knew English dominated the overseas livestream scene of "Pokémon." Among them, a streamer nicknamed Abbot became a new favorite. Originally a small-time streamer, Abbot's bilingual skills and the explosion of "Pokémon" popularity skyrocketed his follower count from 3,000 to over 100,000 overnight.
"Mr. Alex, our animation team is ready, and the comics are in production!" reported an enthusiastic team member at CA, the company known for copying successful ideas. With "Pokémon" and "Pokémon Special Edition" gaining global popularity, CA rushed to produce their animation and comic series, "The Collection of Cute Pets." They hired top animation designers and cartoonists, but without an original plot like "Pokémon," their progress lagged.
"Don't worry, these things take time," Alex reassured his team. Their first-generation game console, WeGame, was also nearing release.
Meanwhile, Indra wasn't idle. Fans of the animated "Pokémon" series flooded him with messages:
"Why is there such a big gap between the animated version and the game's plot?"
"Can we get a version of Pokémon with a similar plot to the animation?"
"Ash having all three starters is amazing!"
Indra, unlike other developers, welcomed these suggestions.
"System, prepare to develop the second 'Pokémon' game!" he declared, eyeing the game in his memory: "Develop 'Pokémon Yellow'!"
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The ratings record! The animation "Pokémon," adapted from the game "Pokémon," was launched and created a new animation ratings record within an hour!
"The power of Pokémon is undeniable. The ratings are soaring!"
"A masterpiece with a 9.5 rating? I regret not watching 'Pokémon' earlier!"
"Creating a myth in both the game and animation industries, GC has made this a world-class phenomenon!"
As the first episode of "Pokémon" hit the internet, major websites rushed to publish their prepared articles. These media outlets had anticipated three scenarios: a flop, a moderate success, or a major hit. They were ready to post analyses, critiques, or praise accordingly.
With "Pokémon" performing exceptionally well, the entire network was abuzz with excitement. "Pokémon" dominated search lists and became the hottest topic online. The success extended beyond just popularity; the sales figures were staggering. Pokémon figures, starter Pokémon toys, and other merchandise sold out within hours.
Financial channels reported on this phenomenon, highlighting the commercial success of Pokémon. This wasn't just a hit in the gaming circle; it was a textbook example of successful marketing.
"Mr. Alex, GC's ambitions are sky-high!"
At CA headquarters, the designer of "The Collection of Cute Pets" console version burst into Alex's office. "They're creating an entire IP!"
"Are the peripheral sales really that hot?" Alex asked, his face grim.
"They sold out within a day, including the figures and comics. The upcoming TV animation has a 98% anticipation score online!"
Never before had an animation adapted from a game achieved such a high expectation score before release. The previous highest was 96%, held by a US animation.
"I think GC might be overreaching," Alex said, trying to stay calm. "I watched their animation trailer. The style is young, and the content isn't all-age. High early expectations might lead to lower ratings upon release."
Alex hoped for Pokémon's downfall, eyeing a potential acquisition of its rights at a lower price if it failed.
Meanwhile, his team proposed emulating GC's strategy: opening an offline experience store for "The Collection of Cute Pets." Alex agreed, seeing the potential for profit.
A few days later, the first episode of "Pokémon" premiered on multiple platforms, excluding CA TV. The ratings exploded, proving Pokémon's global appeal.