# Game Freak

> Japanese video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q782028](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q782028)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Freak)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/game-freak

## Summary
Game Freak is a Japanese video game developer best known for creating the *Pokémon* video game series. Founded in 1989 by Satoshi Tajiri, Junichi Masuda, and Ken Sugimori, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping the global gaming industry through its iconic franchise.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: April 26, 1989, in Japan.
- **Founders**: Satoshi Tajiri, Junichi Masuda, and Ken Sugimori.
- **Headquarters**: Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan (Carrot Tower, 22nd floor).
- **Industry**: Video game development, specializing in the *Pokémon* series.
- **Legal Form**: Kabushiki gaisha (Japanese corporation).
- **Notable Work**: Primary developer of the *Pokémon* video game franchise.
- **Affiliations**: Owns *The Pokémon Company* and *Pokémon Bank*.
- **Key People**: Satoshi Tajiri (director/manager), Junichi Masuda (composer/game designer), Shigeki Morimoto (game designer).

## FAQs
### Q: Who founded Game Freak?
A: Game Freak was founded by Satoshi Tajiri, Junichi Masuda, and Ken Sugimori on April 26, 1989.

### Q: What is Game Freak best known for?
A: Game Freak is best known for developing the *Pokémon* video game series, one of the most successful and influential franchises in gaming history.

### Q: Where is Game Freak located?
A: The company is headquartered in Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan, specifically in the Carrot Tower building.

### Q: What other companies is Game Freak affiliated with?
A: Game Freak owns *The Pokémon Company* and *Pokémon Bank*, and it collaborates closely with Nintendo and other entities in the *Pokémon* franchise.

### Q: Who are the key figures at Game Freak?
A: Key figures include Satoshi Tajiri (director/manager), Junichi Masuda (composer and game designer), and Shigeki Morimoto (game designer and programmer).

## Why It Matters
Game Freak revolutionized the video game industry by creating the *Pokémon* franchise, which introduced innovative gameplay mechanics like trading and battling between players. The series popularized handheld gaming and became a cultural phenomenon, spanning games, TV shows, movies, and merchandise. Game Freak's work has influenced generations of gamers and developers, demonstrating the potential of creative storytelling and interactive experiences in gaming. The company's success also highlights the global appeal of Japanese game design, bridging cultural gaps and fostering a worldwide community of fans.

## Notable For
- **Creating *Pokémon***: Developed the *Pokémon* video game series, which has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide.
- **Innovative Gameplay**: Pioneered features like creature collection, trading, and turn-based battles, which became staples in the RPG genre.
- **Cultural Impact**: The *Pokémon* franchise has transcended gaming, becoming a global multimedia empire.
- **Long-Standing Partnership with Nintendo**: Collaborated closely with Nintendo to produce exclusive titles for its handheld and console systems.
- **Awards and Recognition**: The *Pokémon* series has received numerous awards and is consistently ranked among the best-selling and most influential game franchises.

## Body
### History and Founding
Game Freak was established on **April 26, 1989**, by **Satoshi Tajiri**, **Junichi Masuda**, and **Ken Sugimori**. Initially, the company focused on developing games for Nintendo's platforms, but it gained worldwide fame with the launch of *Pokémon Red* and *Green* (released as *Red* and *Blue* internationally) in **1996**. These games introduced players to the concept of catching, training, and battling creatures called Pokémon, a mechanic that became a defining feature of the series.

### Key Franchises and Works
- **Pokémon Series**: The flagship franchise, spanning multiple generations of games, including *Pokémon Red/Blue*, *Gold/Silver*, *Ruby/Sapphire*, and *Sword/Shield*.
- **Other Titles**: Game Freak has also developed non-*Pokémon* games, such as *Pulse!!*, *Drill Dozer*, and *HarmoKnight*, though none have achieved the same level of success as *Pokémon*.

### Corporate Structure and Leadership
- **Legal Form**: Game Freak operates as a **kabushiki gaisha** (joint-stock company) under Japanese law.
- **Leadership**: **Satoshi Tajiri** serves as a director and manager, while **Junichi Masuda** and **Shigeki Morimoto** hold key roles in game design and development.
- **Ownership**: The company owns *The Pokémon Company* and *Pokémon Bank*, entities that manage the broader *Pokémon* brand and related services.

### Competitors
Game Freak competes with other major video game developers and publishers, including:
- **Japanese Competitors**: Bandai Namco Entertainment, Square Enix, Konami, FromSoftware, and Namco.
- **International Competitors**: Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Blizzard Entertainment, Epic Games, and Bethesda Game Studios.

### Headquarters and Operations
- **Location**: Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan (coordinates: **35.64376111° N, 139.66908056° E**).
- **Facilities**: The company is based in the **Carrot Tower**, a well-known landmark in Tokyo.

### Cultural and Industry Impact
Game Freak's *Pokémon* series has had a profound impact on the gaming industry:
- **Handheld Gaming**: The franchise played a crucial role in popularizing Nintendo's Game Boy and subsequent handheld consoles.
- **Social Gaming**: Introduced multiplayer features like trading and battling, which encouraged social interaction among players.
- **Merchandising and Media**: Expanded into anime, movies, trading cards, and merchandise, creating a multimedia empire.

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## References

1. LastDodo
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. [Source](https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/company/about/)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. MusicBrainz
7. [Game Freak | Pokémon Wiki | Fandom](https://pokemon.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Freak)
8. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Game_Freak-D3A6W)
9. VideoGameGeek
10. Video Games Chronicle