Index
1. Bringing the Magic of Pokémon to Young Children
We created Pokémon arcade games to introduce the magic of Pokémon to young children who may not have played video games yet. Our newest arcade game, “Pokémon FRIENDA,” will debut at arcades and game centers across Japan in July 2024.
The target audience for Pokémon arcade games ranges from ages four to eight. The system dispenses a physical collectible featuring a Pokémon for every try. Children then place these items on the cabinet to trigger in-game Pokémon battles. Since the release of Pokémon Battrio in 2007, this series has been much loved by young fans.
The Pokémon Company produces these Pokémon arcade games, while Marvelous Inc. handles game development and hardware manufacturing, and T-ARTS Company, Ltd. manages promotions and manufacturing physical collectibles.
2. Features that Captivate Children
Since we began development in the early 2000s, project members from all three companies have brainstormed ways to make the game world and its mechanics accessible and fun for children as young as preschoolers.
For example, the standard Pokémon battles system requires players to choose the best “move” based on type matchups. While this is great for adding depth to the game, it can be difficult for small children to grasp.
To lower the bar for entry to the fun, we limited the number of moves and used clear, visual guides to type advantages.
While we simplified the systems, we also introduced tactile mechanics that children find exciting. A staff member from Marvelous who worked on development of the game system explains, “We included elements that introduce random shifts in the battle, such as a roulette wheel to determine the move strength, or having players cheer for their Pokémon by repeatedly pressing buttons.”
We also focused heavily on the quality of the physical collectibles. A staff member from T-ARTS shared the team’s thinking behind development:
“These collectibles essentially represent each Pokémon themselves. Getting one is the same experience as catching a Pokémon. That’s why we obsessed over the design and texture to make sure children feel a true bond with their new battle partners.”
3. The Continuing Evolution of Pokémon Arcade Machines
Our three-company partnership treats each new Pokémon AM series as an opportunity to take on new challenges.
Our first machine, Pokémon Battrio, centered on a standard battle experience using “pucks.” It captured the imagination of a wide range of ages, leading to many exciting battles.
In following games like Pokémon TRETTA and Pokémon Ga-Olé, we ensured that Pokémon captured during gameplay were distributed to players in the form of physical items. By recreating the “catch and collect” aspect of Pokémon video games, these machines were enthusiastically received.
As project members observed children immersed in the games, they noticed something. Parents and guardians were often standing idly by their children with nothing to do.
We realized the experience could be even better if families could play together like friends. This led us to develop the “twin-cabinet” type of arcade machine, which allows two people to play simultaneously on connected screens. We first introduced this feature in the fourth series of Pokémon arcade games, Pokémon MEZASTAR, which was launched in 2020.
Pokémon FRIENDA, launching in July 2024, retains the thrills and excitement of the earlier generations of Pokémon arcade machines, while introducing a new concept to excite children even more.
Pokémon FRIENDA centers on the theme of treasure hunting. Large screens display various environments, such as a volcano, a savanna, a cave, and so on. These heighten the thrill for players adventuring with their Pokémon buddies.
This also marks the first time we have equipped a touch panel in a Pokémon arcade machine. This adds a greater intuitive feeling to actions like petting a Pokémon or throwing a Poké Ball to catch a Pokémon.
Furthermore, Pokémon FRIENDA is also the first Pokémon arcade game that displays its human characters in 3D with a wide range of reactions and emotions. We carefully refined these details so players can feel a deeper connection with their Pokémon and in-game avatars.
4. Lasting Memories of Pokémon Battles
The project team concluded with smiles, expressing their hope that this new arcade game would help create fun family memories.
As one staff member shared, “While we want children to grow to love Pokémon, we also hope that parents can enjoy this precious time together right along with them. We hope Pokémon FRIENDA becomes a machine that provides lasting memories for everyone who plays it.”
Pokémon FRIENDA will be a perfect first step for children into the world of Pokémon – opening the door for them to join in the excitement of Pokémon battles for years to come.