Summary
Recently filed trademarks in Europe for the names PokePark Kalos and PokePark Paldea suggest thatPokemonmay be coming to more theme parks across the world. Nintendo has been working on expanding the presence ofvideo game IPs at theme parks, and The Pokemon Company International looks to be following suit.
One of the biggest brands in the world,Pokemonstarted as a video game franchise and has since expanded into a trading card game, television and film series, and multitudes of merchandise. The Pokemon Company International was first formed through the joint investments of its three copyright holders, Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures, and the business has firmly established itself as a pillar of popular culture. With more companies seeking to expand into new markets,Pokemonmay be setting its sights on the world of theme parks.
As pointed out by Serebii, The Pokemon Company International has filed new trademarks for PokePark Kalos and PokePark Paldea in Europe. While there is currently no indication of whether these are finalized names or placeholders for upcoming trademarks, they do suggest thatPokemonmay be expanding on its current efforts within the theme park industry. Fans will recognize Kanto, Kalos, and Paldea as distinctregions from thePokemonseries. As such, the filing of PokePark Kalos and PokePark Paldea in Europe may be a hint atPokemon’s ambitions to bring the games to life at parks in different countries. However, it is key to note that companies frequently file patents that never come to fruition, so these two names may never be used.
Video Games Continue to Expand Their Presence at Theme Parks
Nintendo was among the first major gaming companies to introduce video games to the theme park industry with the opening ofSuper Nintendo World at Universal Studios.Resident EvilandFive Nights at Freddy’shave also made an impact at theme parks, with their inclusion at previous Halloween Horror Nights events at Universal Studios in Japan, Hollywood, and Orlando. WhilePokemonhas offered special live shows and exclusive merchandise at Universal Studios Japan, The Pokemon Company International has been working to bring the franchise to other parks. The Pokemon Wonder Amusement Park was launched in 2021 in Tokyo, and the upcoming PokePark Kanto will also be located in Japan’s capital city. With the new European patents,Pokemonmay be planning to open even more theme parks around the world.
The success ofThe Super Mario Bros. Movieand Super Nintendo World is evidence of audiences wanting to enjoy their favorite video games in different ways. Considering the dedicated fan base and increasing profitability ofPokemon, it should come as no surprise that the company is looking to expand into the theme park industry in multiple regions.
Pokemon
Pokemon is a franchise that needs no introduction. One of the most successful media empires in history, Pokemon spans games, television, films, manga, merchandise, music, and more.
