Pokémon is a Japanese media franchise centered on the adventures in a world where humans and a wide range of fantastical creatures known as Pokémon live side by side. Launched in 1996 with a pair of role-playing video games by Game Freak, the franchise quickly expanded to include animated series, films, manga, and a hugely successful trading card game. Originally intended for children, Pokémon has gained a devoted audience of all ages and has become the highest-grossing media franchise worldwide. The property is uniquely co-owned by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures, and is managed outside Asia by the Pokémon Company International. Innovations like the 2016 release of Pokémon Go have kept the brand fresh and culturally relevant, making Pokémon a lasting icon in entertainment.