Growth of the Game

Many Pokémon players started playing when they were children. Most players formed friendships based around interest in the game. This common interest created a group dynamic such that players were encouraged to continue playing because their friends continued to play. Before the Pokémon game series had access to the internet it was, for the most part, a game played only between friends. One player had to live within the vicinity of another, and even then, they had to use a link cable to battle or trade with friends.

Nowadays, players are able to connect with others from all over the globe, regardless of language spoken. Because of the internet, and the creation of the Nintendo DS, players are able to not only communicate with each other, but also do international trades and battles. One interesting aspect about the history of the game and culture is that as technology evolved, so did the game. With each new generation of the game that’s released, the technical sophistication as to how Pokémon breed and gain levels and stats is much more involved. The inclusion of the internet in the gaming technology has allowed for digital relationships to form. While at one point a player could only battle people whom he or she knew, it’s evolved to the point where one player can interact with another, regardless of where on the planet each lives. Along with each new generation of games, come more and more strategies not only for competitive battlers but also for breeders and collectors.

Part of what keeps the Pokémon players community alive is the competitiveness that is built into the game. Because one of the goals of the game is to become the Pokémon Master, it’s not enough to simply beat all of the in-game characters. Players want challenges and these challenges are presented in the form of other players. By pitting player against player, it fuels the drive to be the best player, to have the best team.

Members of this culture vary greatly between their online personas and off-line personas. Online members are simply seen as participants in the culture with little thought given to age, race, or gender. However when players are viewed off-line, then the cultural and even generational diversity is much more apparent. Many members of the community started playing when they were children, or when the Pokémon game series first made its debut. As a result, they have grown up with the games and have integrated Pokémon into their lives. Sometimes, an entire family will be part of the culture. Take for example the Arnold family, where all five family members actively play Pokémon and compete in official Pokémon videogame world championships. While this may be an exception, it serves to highlight how diverse the Pokémon internet culture is.