Satoshi Tajiri created the original Pokémon concept and directed Pokémon Red and Green.
Tajiri founded Game Freak, which began as a video-game magazine before becoming a development company. His childhood interest in collecting insects inspired the central Pokémon idea: creatures that players could find, collect, raise, and exchange with other players. The Game Boy Link Cable made trading a central part of the design.
Tajiri’s concept was developed with contributions from a broader team. Ken Sugimori created much of the original Pokémon artwork, while Junichi Masuda worked as a programmer and later became a major director and composer in the series. Shigeru Miyamoto was a producer of the original games, but he was not their creator.
The combination of collecting and communication distinguished Pokémon from many role-playing games of its era. Tajiri’s original design goal became the foundation for games, animation, cards, films, merchandise, and the franchise’s 30-year history.