Who created the Pokémon franchise concept that became the original Game Boy games?

Satoshi Tajiri created the Pokémon franchise concept that became the original Game Boy games.

Tajiri grew up collecting insects around Machida, Japan, and imagined a game that would let players discover and exchange creatures. The Game Boy’s link cable was especially important to the idea because it made trading between players possible.

Tajiri founded Game Freak, first as a video-game magazine and later as a development company. Artist Ken Sugimori joined him and helped establish Pokémon’s visual identity, while Nintendo eventually supported the project.

The first games, Pocket Monsters Red and Green, were released in Japan in 1996. Ken Sugimori is often mentioned alongside Tajiri because he illustrated the original Pokémon, but Tajiri is credited with creating the franchise concept. Junichi Masuda later became a major composer, programmer, and producer for the series.