Junichi Masuda, former Managing Director of Game Freak, has left his position for a job as The Pokemon Company’s Chief Creative Fellow, effective immediately, according to an official press announcement. That is, although he will no longer be personally engaged in the production of the series’ games, he will now concentrate on managing the franchise as a whole.
Junichi Masuda’s contribution to the evolution of the Pokemon franchise is notable; he has been involved in the development of the games since the original Pokemon Red and Green Versions, has directed several games in the franchise himself, and has generally assisted in the development of other games in the franchise, such as the mobile spin-off title Pokemon Go. In some ways, his new function in the firm should be similar to Shigeru Miyamoto’s, who went into the post of Creative Fellow at Nintendo to concentrate more on brand management rather than game development.
The Pokemon Company’s complete public relations statement (translated)
Junichi Masuda’s appointment as Chief Creative Fellow
Junichi Masuda has been appointed as the Pokémon Company’s Chief Creative Fellow, beginning June 1, 2022.
Junichi Masuda was the Managing Director of the original originator of Pokémon, GAME FREAK inc., until May 31. As a founding member of GAME FREAK, he was engaged in the production of “Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Green Version,” and he supported the future Pokémon video game series for many years. Masuda will use his extensive knowledge of the Pokémon brand to create new services and products for the Pokémon Company, drawing on his years of expertise and creative ideas.
Junichi Masuda’s comment
I directed the Pokémon video game series from “Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version” through “Pokémon X and Pokémon Y,” and I was engaged in the production of several video games, including Pokémon GO. I’d want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to all Pokémon enthusiasts.
Going ahead, I intend to push the frontiers of video games by providing more surprises, pleasure, and excitement to people all over the globe, all while doing my best to connect people, broaden the circle of “play,” and contribute to a richer world for us to enjoy. I appreciate your continuous assistance in my new position.
