I got a feeling Genius Sonority or Crea-Tech (studio behind Metal Max) could revive the Orre continuity and make the game systems more complex for an audience of console and handheld JRPG players. There's a great balance of humor and "dark" themes to Colosseum (Mirror B. against underground cities (makes sense in the desert) and Shadow Pokémon) that would benefit from a non-linear game progression and openness to multifarious strategies. Pokémon's battle system and trading ecosystem is one of the main games' big draws; why not do something unique for the Colosseum/Stadium-line games by having them make the most of this region?
I think Pokemon's fanbase is ageing per se, but I feel as though it might be a conscious decision from The Pokemon Company - the comparison I would make would be comic book properties (target the core, expand the reach of your property).
They seem to be targeting an older audience, those who grew up playing Pokemon, which in turn will introduce the Pokemon brand to their loved ones, whether through the Pokemon games, apparel, tv show, etc.
Siliconnera's article about Pokemon's decline sales is simply rubbish. As we stand, Pokemon XY have sold over 13.3 million copies (1 year release compared to 4) and will most likely achieve similar results to Black & White, 15 million.
What I would argue is that, with every successive release in Japan, we see lower sales. Pokemon mainline games have always achieved over 5 million in their home territory, but we won't see that result with XY - that decline, is related to not targeting younger children as predominantly as it once did (Youkai Watch has filled that void); hence why Pokemon XY was extremely front-loaded and the core bought it day 1.
Regardless of the decline in Japan, the West now makes up for it; which is odd because prior to this generation, Japan would be it's best territory by a large margin.
In essence, I think TPC has realized the above. They want to continue appeal to the core, and I think Pokken Tournament is nice addition to that strategy. In regards to their kids segment, this is the area where they need to work harder. I'm positive they will find something that will reinvigorate the brand within that market segment.
In the end, Pokemon is still one of the most bankable properties in the gaming industry and I don't think that's going to change in the long run
The drop after the first generation was anything but slight: Red/Blue/Yellow sold around 46 million copies, while GSC/RSE/DPP/BWB2W2 straddle anywhere between 20 through 29 million each. Luckily, falling hard from its peak comparatively still leaves it in a fairly comfortable position considering it was pretty much the biggest video game franchise in the world during the mid-nineties through the very early aughts.
This is kind of like what a Nuzlocke run is.
Pokémon Conquest was actually Tecmo Koei, so I would think they'd be willing to give another spinoff a shot if given an opportunity. I'd certainly love to see something like that again.
Most older players hate IVs. They're a forced grinding element that has a RNG component and basically obsoletes your in-game team. They're supposed to add "diversity," but they do so in a way most people won't notice. Unlike Natures, they lack a strategic component.
Really, while the breeding mechanics can stay in for people who like them, IV's should be done away with, and you should be able to just select the two stats you want max EV's in.
Yes, make a game with a significantly higher budget and a far smaller audience pls.
Yeah see, I have no idea how to fix that. Maybe putting the old games on the app store might boost some popularity? Or make some more spin-off titles that fit on mobile devices to bring back brand recognition? I dunno.
Right on. I can't imagine them ever getting to do a truly violent title, but another game in a vein that takes off from Pokemon's established format would be very welcome by me.
