Pokémon Director Aims to “Scale” Games Beyond Battling to Support the Many Ways Fans Enjoy the Series

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Reflecting on his previous contributions to the series, Ohmori acknowledged the historical emphasis on competitive play. “In my past Pokémon projects, battles were undoubtedly the centerpiece,” he noted. However, he was quick to highlight beloved side activities, such as the Secret Bases from Ruby and Sapphire and the revamped Grand Underground in the Sinnoh remakes, which provided players with hours of creative and social content.

“I’m confident that our community finds great joy in these alternative experiences. My goal is to grow the Pokémon universe as a whole by looking past the battle screen and seeking out fresh possibilities for growth.”

While Ohmori kept specific future concepts under wraps, his influence within the company makes this a significant statement. Having directed major titles like Sun and Moon, Sword and Shield, and most recently Scarlet and Violet, his pivot toward broader gameplay styles carries weight. With Ohmori also overseeing the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokopia, the franchise appears to be entering an era where being a Pokémon Trainer means much more than just winning trophies.

Elsewhere in the community: One dedicated Pokémon fan spent over five years on a grueling Shiny hunt, vowing to never repeat the ordeal after finally succeeding.