- The Pokémon Company has received patents related to Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), suggesting future integration of blockchain in its products.
- A new app, “Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket,” is set to launch soon, potentially incorporating advanced digital card collection features, though NFT implementation details remain speculative.
The Pokémon Company, a cornerstone of global gaming culture, has recently secured patents related to Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), according to J-PlatPat, the patent information platform operated by the Japan Patent Office. The patent was officially recognized on June 25, 2024, following its application on October 27, 2022. This move positions The Pokémon Company at the forefront of digital innovation, potentially integrating blockchain technology into its popular trading card ecosystem.
【お知らせ：最新映像が公開】
『Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket』の最新映像が公開されました🙌
🎥https://t.co/ZpH0oISUVP
ぜひチェックしてください👀✨アプリの事前登録はこちらから👇 https://t.co/NYuxi3hjAZ #ポケポケ pic.twitter.com/txidG6T2ex
— ポケポケ【公式】（Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket） (@PokemonTCGP_JP) August 19, 2024
The patents have sparked speculation about their implementation in the upcoming “Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket” app, rumored to be launching on October 30, 2024. Pre-registration for the app has already begun on major platforms like the App Store and Google Play, indicating that the release is imminent. The app promises to revolutionize how fans collect and trade Pokémon cards, leveraging digital technology to enhance the experience of card ownership and interaction.
Developed in collaboration with Creatures Co., Ltd., the original creator of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and DeNA Co., Ltd., a renowned tech company, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket aims to merge traditional card collecting with cutting-edge digital advancements. According to the official website, the app will allow users to collect digital versions of Pokémon cards, expanding the reach and accessibility of this beloved pastime.
While the specifics of NFT integration within the app remain unconfirmed, there are hints that The Pokémon Company may leverage its new patents to introduce blockchain features in future projects. The patent documentation describes a system where digital cards could be stored as NFTs, allowing users to maintain a sense of emotional attachment to their cards similar to physical collections. This could revolutionize the way digital cards are perceived, potentially increasing their value and enhancing the overall collecting experience.
Moreover, the patents outline the potential for NFTs to facilitate a marketplace where users can freely buy, sell, and trade their digital cards, using blockchain to ensure transparency and security. Such a system could lead to a significant increase in transaction volumes, creating new revenue streams through transaction fees.
One notable aspect of the patent is the mention of “benefits” based on competitive gameplay results and user engagement levels. These benefits would be governed by smart contracts on the blockchain, rewarding players in unique ways tied to their digital card usage history. This approach aligns with the broader trend of gamifying blockchain technology, adding a new layer of interaction and value to the digital trading card experience.
The Pokémon Company, founded in 1998 as a joint venture between Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak, has always been at the forefront of entertainment innovation. From the original Game Boy release of Pokémon in 1996 to its expansion into anime, films, and trading cards, the brand has continually evolved. Recent recruitment efforts by Pokémon Company International for blockchain and NFT specialists suggest a strategic push towards integrating these technologies into future offerings, signaling a bold new direction for the iconic franchise.