Satoshi Tajiri conceived the original Pokémon concept before the franchise became a global phenomenon.
Tajiri’s childhood interest in collecting insects influenced the idea of discovering and catching creatures. The Game Boy’s link port then suggested a way for players to exchange creatures between separate systems, turning collecting into a social activity. Tajiri combined those ideas with role-playing-game mechanics to form the basis of Pokémon.
Tajiri founded Game Freak, initially the name of a video-game magazine and later a development company. Game Freak created the original Pokémon games, while Ken Sugimori handled much of the artwork and character design, and Junichi Masuda contributed music and programming. Their roles are often mixed up because all three became strongly associated with the series.
The first games were released in Japan in 1996 as Pocket Monsters Red and Green. Pokémon’s later success in television, cards, films, and merchandise grew from Tajiri’s original idea of collecting, training, battling, and trading creatures.