The Future of Lost Continent

[DarkMetroid567]

Pokémon is a significantly more popular franchise than Mario, largely because it has been successful multi-media franchise, and is far more accessible. Mario has only recently been expanding into other forms of media like film and theme parks, but Pokémon has had countless films, and an ongoing anime series for decades now. Games are just one facet of how people can interact with the franchise, as I know some people who are primarily focused on the anime or the Trading Card Game or as a lifestyle brand without engaging with all or any of the other mediums. Even to this day, I can't think of any IP that has caused as big of a phenomenon as the Pokémon Go craze. Pokémon is an absolute juggernaut compared to everything else.

I mean I don’t disagree that it’s a very powerful franchise, but I just don’t think it will translate to a bigger-than-Potter bombastic impact at IoA.

(It might at USJ, though!)

 

[Jake S]

Hello Kitty is number two on that list. How's the Hello Kitty activation going in Orlando? I'm not saying revenue generated is unimportant, but I don't think it's the end-all be-all metric some are making it out to be.

 

[moth]

Hello Kitty is number two on that list. How's the Hello Kitty activation going in Orlando? I'm not saying revenue generated is unimportant, but I don't think it's the end-all be-all metric some are making it out to be.

Pokémon is four quadrant appeal incarnate. Almost everyone knows and loves Pokémon and aren't ashamed of it. Hello Kitty is aimed towards the female crowd and that's ultimately why it didn't fly so well in Orlando compared to how it is in Cali, demographics play a role in HK's success between coasts too.

Everyone, and I mean almost everyone will look at Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo, Eevee, Gengar, Snorlax, Jigglypuff, Magikarp and go:

"Oh, I know them, they're cool, I like them."

It doesn't matter their age (though it might be hard to sell 60+ crowd, but those boomers should be getting another BTTF thing probably), race, whatever. People love this IP to death and they're unashamed of it.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

Pokémon is four quadrant appeal incarnate. Almost everyone knows and loves Pokémon and aren't ashamed of it. Hello Kitty is aimed towards the female crowd and that's ultimately why it didn't fly so well in Orlando compared to how it is in Cali, demographics play a role in HK's success between coasts too.

Everyone, and I mean almost everyone will look at Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo, Eevee, Gengar, Snorlax, Jigglypuff, Magikarp and go:

"Oh, I know them, they're cool, I like them."

It doesn't matter their age (though it might be hard to sell 60+ crowd, but those boomers should be getting another BTTF thing probably), race, whatever. People love this IP to death and they're unashamed of it.

I just feel that this love might be overstated beyond “oh, they’re cute!” I have a really hard time seeing the Gen X parents from Wisconsin or Long Island saying “man, I have GOT to see Pikachu!”

That was something that Potter was really uniquely positioned for. Even if you weren’t into the IP, you were at least intrigued at how that world manifested into the Wizarding World we have today. I don’t think Kanto is going to have that same draw.

 

[DodgsonHere]

I just feel that this love might be overstated beyond “oh, they’re cute!” I have a really hard time seeing the Gen X parents from Wisconsin or Long Island saying “man, I have GOT to see Pikachu!”

That was something that Potter was really uniquely positioned for. Even if you weren’t into the IP, you were at least intrigued at how that world manifested into the Wizarding World we have today. I don’t think Kanto is going to have that same draw.

You know what this is actually an extremely valid point. Potter is such an easy translation to theme parks that even someone with casual knowledge of it knew how good it could be.

Pokemon is definitely a harder translation, I'm really intrigued but also excited to see how they do it. Berk is a really good starting point for how to make a land feel alive with creatures, hope Pokemon pushes it even further because that is how this IP will truly win in the parks.

 

[Skold]

I just gotta say that I played TCG a few years ago and Pikachu is the worst card. He sucks. How did this thing become the face of the franchise? He sucks.

 

[Mad Dog]

Hello Kitty is number two on that list. How's the Hello Kitty activation going in Orlando? I'm not saying revenue generated is unimportant, but I don't think it's the end-all be-all metric some are making it out to be.

The Hello Kitty merch got moved to the store in Toon that used to have the SLOP merch that didn't sell well either.
That's kind of the black hole for merch at USO.

 

[belloq87]

I have no standing to question the overall financial success of the Pokemon brand, but I will offer this: the DETECTIVE PIKACHU movie barely made a profit in theaters. It was not a significant hit. So it's not a guarantee that Pokemon's ability to bring in the merch/gaming/card money will inherently translate, successfully, to some other mass-appeal format.

That's not me arguing that Pokemon shouldn't come to the parks, either.

 

[moth]

I have no standing to question the overall financial success of the Pokemon brand, but I will offer this: the DETECTIVE PIKACHU movie barely made a profit in theaters. It was not a significant hit. So it's not a guarantee that Pokemon's ability to bring in the merch/gaming/card money will inherently translate, successfully, to some other mass-appeal format.

That's not me arguing that Pokemon shouldn't come to the parks, either.

Detective Pikachu was based off of a spin off that didn't do so hot. Universal is (hopefully!) aiming something close to what Pokémon is known for rather than "talking Pikachu".

And I think the point about translating and comparing it to Potter: also valid! I still don't have a clear photo in my head of what Pokémon will end up as. But I think the curiosity of it will get people wanting to see it once it's done. I don't think there's any case study better than showing that people want to engage with realized Pokémon than Pokémon GO and the huge craze that had.

I just think that Pokémon is just the most important IP UC has gotten their hands of because of the aspect of: how do you translate this into a theme park setting well?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I'd like to know how much of the Pokémon dollar value comes from video games (now at $60 a pop) and the TCG (have you SEEN how much a pack costs now!??)

I have no standing to question the overall financial success of the Pokemon brand, but I will offer this: the DETECTIVE PIKACHU movie barely made a profit in theaters. It was not a significant hit. So it's not a guarantee that Pokemon's ability to bring in the merch/gaming/card money will inherently translate, successfully, to some other mass-appeal format.

That's not me arguing that Pokemon shouldn't come to the parks, either.

Counterpoint: There's been a successful Pokémon TV series running since 1997. I think that proves it can translate to a mass appeal format.

 

[rhino4evr]

Pokemon doesn’t need “mass appeal” to be successful, its fans will spend $$$$ on exclusive merch. The existing fanbase is enough to warrant the investment.

 

[AustinT]

Pokémon is bigger than Universal itself as a brand. When people see that "the other theme park" has God damn Pikachu there, taunting them like a siren to give them their money, they will flock like birds.

Pokémon needs every inch of LC to have enough space for the people it will attract

Yes, I don't think some of the older people who were never into Pokemon understand just how much of a chokehold this IP has on multiple generations. Now its got parents having children and introducing their kids to the brand too. Did you see the Pokemon LEGO drop recently? Madness. All wickedly expensive sets aimed at the 30+ crowd. All sold out within 24 hours.

I saw more comments on social media from non-theme park people than ever before regarding a park announcement that didn't have any concrete info. Tons of people had no idea Universal and Pokemon had even partnered, much less were planning US additions. This will be a theme park and merch juggernaut. All the more reason I think this needed to go into Studios so badly to inject that park with some life That back half of IOA will be forever packed now.