“Pokopia Lead Highlights Diverse Ways to Experience Pokémon Beyond Battling, Citing Ruby and Sapphire as Key Examples”

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As Pokémon gears up to launch its first life simulation game, Pokémon Pokopia, long-time developer Shigeru Ohmori expresses his desire to explore “new possibilities to scale” the franchise beyond just battles.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, the Pokémon series has seen numerous spin-offs alongside the main titles, where players catch, battle, and strive to be the best. While battles have been a staple, there have been exceptions (shoutout to Pokémon Snap) and elements like Pokémon Contests from Ruby and Sapphire that introduced different gameplay experiences. It seems we can look forward to even more diversity in the future.

“There are many ways to enjoy Pokémon beyond battling. I believe that, and so do the fans,” Ohmori shared in an interview regarding Pokémon Pokopia, where he serves as senior director.

He further discussed the franchise’s battle-centric history, acknowledging that previous projects have focused heavily on combat. “In my past work on Pokémon, battles were indeed the main focus,” he noted, but he also highlighted the existence of side content, such as Secret Bases from Ruby and Sapphire and the expanded Grand Underground in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, which added depth to the original 2006 RPGs.

“I think many fans appreciate these aspects as well. Therefore, I want to expand Pokémon games in general, beyond just battles. I’m looking for new ways to enhance them.”

While Ohmori hasn’t revealed specific ideas, his enthusiasm is encouraging. With a history of directing major Pokémon titles like Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Sun and Moon, Sword and Shield, and Scarlet and Violet, and most recently serving as senior director for Pokémon Legends: Z-A and now Pokémon Pokopia, his push for a broader focus on the Pokémon universe is exciting.

In other news, a dedicated Pokémon player has spent over five years on one of the most unusual Shiny hunts ever, vowing never to undertake such a challenge again.