How ‘Pokemon’ and ‘Resident Evil’ Rewrote Gaming History

Core Insights - The releases of Pokémon Red and Green and Resident Evil in 1996 significantly transformed the video game industry, establishing two of the most successful franchises in history [1][2]. Franchise Performance - Resident Evil Requiem sold 5 million copies in just five days, marking the fastest sales pace for the series, which has shipped over 180 million units in total [2]. - Pokémon has grown to become the top-grossing media franchise globally, surpassing iconic franchises like Mickey Mouse and Star Wars [1]. Historical Context - 1996 was a pivotal year for gaming, characterized by rapid innovation, contrasting with the lengthy development cycles seen in modern gaming [3]. - Other franchises from the same era, such as Crash Bandicoot and Tomb Raider, have faded, highlighting the importance of effective franchise management [3]. Development and Themes - Pokémon was developed over six years, while Resident Evil was created by a novice team on the new PlayStation platform, showcasing different approaches to game development [4]. - Both franchises drew inspiration from various cultural elements, with Pokémon influencing anime culture and Resident Evil revitalizing the zombie genre in gaming [5][6]. Strategic Management - Both franchises have successfully adapted over time; Resident Evil has reinvented itself multiple times, while Pokémon has maintained a consistent formula with successful new releases [7]. - A multimedia strategy has been crucial for both franchises, with Pokémon leveraging comics and trading cards for brand familiarity, and Resident Evil utilizing films to enhance brand awareness [8]. Release Strategy - Both franchises have strategically staggered their mainline releases, with only nine major entries in three decades, allowing for spin-offs and remakes to keep audiences engaged [9].