Fans, Creators, And Developers Explain What Makes Pokémon So Special

As Pokémon marks 30 years since its Game Boy debut, Kotaku gathered stories from developers, journalists, and creators about how the franchise shaped their lives and careers. Contributors describe Pokémon as a connector through childhood friendships, a comfort during health struggles, a gateway into gaming journalism, and a lens for understanding non-traditional audiences. The responses highlight how the series' themes of camaraderie and community extend beyond players to the professionals building games today.

Appeared in 2026-02-24.