Though typically open for public spectating, the 2016 Pokemon World Championships will be an exclusive affair. Perhaps it's because of the booming popularity of the Pokemon GO game, but this year's San Francisco event will only be available for public viewing via four online live streams provided through the Pokemon website.
Though Pokemon began as a kids' game, the battling aspect of the video games and trading card game have spawned some serious competition. At the 2016 Pokemon World Championships, players will vie for more than $500,000 in prizes. These prizes will be split between the Pokemon Trading Card Game, the Video Game World Championships, and (new this year,) the Pokken Tournament World Championships. The competitions are additionally divided by age group, so both kids and adults can play.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Booming Popularity of Pokemon GO
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new mobile games that incorporate augmented reality and engage players in real-world activities.
- Serious Competition in Pokemon Battling
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create new platforms or apps that facilitate online multiplayer battles and trading for competitive players.
- Expanding Competitive Scene in Anime Games
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build a comprehensive platform that hosts tournaments and championships for various anime games, attracting both players and spectators.
Sectors Adopting This
- Mobile Gaming
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop mobile games that utilize augmented reality technology and incorporate real-world activities to enhance player engagement.
- Online Gaming Platforms
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create platforms or apps that enable players to compete against each other, trade items, and participate in online multiplayer battles across multiple game titles.
- E-sports Event Management
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish event management firms that specialize in organizing tournaments and championships for anime games, providing a comprehensive platform for both players and spectators.
