I don’t understand how Pokemon got away with it and keeps getting away with it; they release two “versions” of a game and they’re literally the same game.
So for the original games it was a new idea and a new concept. You wouldn’t complain about an MMO requiring an internet connection, because the entire point is playing with and connecting with others players. For Pokemon a key part of the gameplay was trading and battling with other players.
So, to further encourage trading you create two different versions with version exclusives.
Every version split beyond the first is just legacy. That’s just what Pokemon games are.
Now, I completely agree that it can viewed a “evil” or done only for money, etc. I don’t think that was the original intention, but I’m sure the idea crossed some minds when it was first being developed.
You also have to remember that Nintendo has pioneered, or at least popularized, a lot of video game “gimmicks” that have resulted in interesting new mechanics. In this case the trading cable. But you have the Rumble Pack for the N64, or motion controls with the Wii. Video games couldn’t talk to one another before the trading cable, once it’s added you get new ideas. Some bad, some good, some meh.
I don’t understand how Pokemon got away with it and keeps getting away with it; they release two “versions” of a game and they’re literally the same game.
So for the original games it was a new idea and a new concept. You wouldn’t complain about an MMO requiring an internet connection, because the entire point is playing with and connecting with others players. For Pokemon a key part of the gameplay was trading and battling with other players.
So, to further encourage trading you create two different versions with version exclusives.
Every version split beyond the first is just legacy. That’s just what Pokemon games are.
Now, I completely agree that it can viewed a “evil” or done only for money, etc. I don’t think that was the original intention, but I’m sure the idea crossed some minds when it was first being developed.
You also have to remember that Nintendo has pioneered, or at least popularized, a lot of video game “gimmicks” that have resulted in interesting new mechanics. In this case the trading cable. But you have the Rumble Pack for the N64, or motion controls with the Wii. Video games couldn’t talk to one another before the trading cable, once it’s added you get new ideas. Some bad, some good, some meh.
They are a trading card company. Before videogames trading cards had all the scummiest techniques to get people to buy more.
One of Pokemon’s main catchphrases is “Gotta catch 'em all!”
You don’t become the most profitable IP of all time without a few tricks, lol
Tbf, that’s not driven solely by their game sales. Both my kids literally wearing Pokemon clothes right now, lol