Pokemon CEO: We didn't think Pikachu was all that special

He also has a special place in his heart for Exeggutor.

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Pokemon is a worldwide phenomenon, one that has caught the CEO of the company that created it a bit off guard. Not only have the little pocket monsters risen to massive fame, the face of the franchise wasn't originally thought to be anything out of the ordinary.

“None of us really thought Pikachu was particularly special,” Tsunekazu Ishihara, chief executive of The Pokemon Company told The Wall Street Journal, about the little creature's appearance in the first vdeo game. Now, spurred by a hit TV show, the yellow mouse with red dots on his cheeks and an electric personality is everywhere.

Pokemon Go has brought new attention to the franchise, expanding its reach to people who might have not been familiar with the previous games, TV shows or history. Ishihara said that the key to success for the game, developed by Niantic Labs, was to keep it simple and easily accessible, something perfect for a mobile app.

However, bringing games from the older handhelds or the 3DS, such as the upcoming Pokemon Sun and Moon, probably would not work as well, he said. "The chance of finding success in taking a product made for one platform and bringing it over to another is quite low.”

When the franchise started back in 1996, there were only 151 monsters. But that roster has expanded to more than 700. Does Ishihara have a favorite? He does, and it is even getting a new Alola form in the upcoming games.

“My dream is finally a reality,” he said. “I’m glad to see what Exeggutor has become.”

Contributing Editor
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