In recent days, rumors about the next-generation Pokémon—reportedly called Winds & Waves—have ignited discussion over its alleged budget. Leaks claimed the figure was around $20 million (approximately ¥3 billion) — a surprisingly modest amount for a project of this scale.
However, former marketing executives from Nintendo of America, Kit Ellis and Krista Young, clarified that those numbers reflect only part of the total expenses. They pointed out:
“Those figures refer solely to game development. The full budget also includes marketing and PR, which are hugely significant for Pokémon.”
Young added that while she didn’t have access to development budgets during her time at Nintendo, she is familiar with the breadth of promotional spending:
“For Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, marketing is essential. It’s more than trailers and events — it’s an ongoing promotional network: the anime, the trading card game, merchandise, Pokémon GO, and international partnerships.”
These factors mean the actual cost of the title is likely far higher than the $20 million number that leaked online.
Ellis and Young emphasized that calling Pokémon Winds & Waves ‘low-budget’ is misleading. The real expenditures encompass a global promotional strategy designed to keep Pokémon at the forefront of fans’ attention worldwide.
Source: iXBT.games