Building a Gaming Empire In 1984

The fun of Pokémon is usually summarized into three parts: collecting, trading, and raising.

The differences between the red and green versions, along with the Pokédex design, were the primary sources of enjoyment for the collecting aspect. As for raising Pokémon, that concept didn't truly begin to flourish until the second generation, when Pokémon Gold and Silver introduced the friendship system.

With the storage capacity of the medium being so limited, Ethan simply had no way to release more complete versions such as Gold, Silver, or even Emerald right from the start.

Being able to cram all the Pokémon into such a tiny amount of storage while still ensuring that all the other systems functioned properly was already the result of everyone at GAMENOVA working together.

However, battling itself was part of the fun of raising Pokémon. Making your own Pokémon grow into the strongest one, come on, that was just too cool. Not to mention evolution, a concept stylish enough to remain timeless in any era.

And in order to further enhance the enjoyment of battles, Gym Challenges naturally came into being.

In an open world, keeping players focused on a clear objective without becoming lost and confused was no easy task.

Pokémon wasn't like The Legend of Zelda, where "emergent design" and pure curiosity alone could drive players to explore endlessly. It needed a clear, linear, stage by stage objective.

Defeating Gym Leaders who had been built up by the story as nearly legendary figures and collecting their badges took on that responsibility. At the same time, Gyms were also an extremely cleverly disguised "new player tutorial."

...

John and Mike locked up their bicycles and were greeted by a spectacular sight.

The entire building had been shaped like a volcano. Combined with New Mexico's already scorching climate, it made people feel restless even though the end of the year was approaching.

A large sign hung above the entrance. Aside from the GAMENOVA logo and another unfamiliar logo belonging to Game Freak, blazing words occupied the center.

[Pokémon League - Fire Type Gym]

"My God... they really went all out..."

The two stared blankly at the scene before them. It felt as though they had truly become Pokémon Trainers and personally arrived at the legendary Fire Type Gym.

Before they could even get closer, they were shocked to see long lines already stretching far out before the entrance gates, even though they knew everyone had to make an appointment and the gym could only accept a limited number of players each day, yet there were still this many people waiting.

Without question, these were all Pokémon players. Some had even traveled from other cities specifically to be here. The reason was simple, to challenge the Gym Leader stationed here and win rewards.

"Are you sure you can beat the Gym Leader?"

John stood on tiptoe and peered into the Gym. Inside, an elderly bald man wearing a white lab coat and round black sunglasses appeared to be speaking with someone in front of him. The flame-patterned necktie on his chest was especially eye-catching.

John narrowed his eyes and seemed to notice that the man's bald head was already covered in dense beads of sweat.

"Talk about commitment, wearing a lab coat in weather like this? Even if it's to recreate his in-game appearance, that's some serious dedication."

Pulling his gaze back, John looked at Mike, who was still fiddling with the NovaPocket in his hands. This guy was completely hooked. John had never seen Mike become so obsessed with a game before.

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Although John liked the game as well, he still devoted most of his free time to Harvest Moon on his console.

"Heh heh. Once I get another diamond and give it to Penny, she'll definitely fall in love with me..."

Just thinking about it made the corners of John's mouth rise uncontrollably. Penny really was a wonderful girl, and this really was a wonderful game.

"It's only a Fire Type Gym. Watch me clear it with ease."

Without even lifting his head, Mike mechanically followed John into the queue and replied casually. He needed to further train the Pokémon he planned to use before going inside. He had to be fully prepared!

"Oh right, why don't you give it a shot too? I think your Pokémon are already at a high enough level."

"Me? Well, since we're already here..."

The lengthy queue only advanced by one person after what felt like ages, while an even longer line had unknowingly formed behind them. Fortunately, both of them had brought their NovaPockets, so the waiting time wasn't boring.

...

"Yo! Glad you came! I am ... cough cough... sorry, let me get a drink first..."

The bald man wearing a name tag reading "Fire Type Gym Leader - Blaine" spoke in a hoarse voice. Clearly, the overwhelming business today had exhausted him.

"I am Blaine! Leader of the Fire-type Gym! Every one of my Pokémon was forged in volcanic fire, emerging stronger with every blaze!"

"Do you wish to be reduced to ashes? Then step forward and challenge me!"

His voice was hearty, perfectly embodying both the fiery enthusiasm and eccentric scientist persona of the character.

Especially since he was practically soaked through with sweat already. His dedication was enough to bring tears to Mike and John's eyes.

"I heard GAMENOVA found him in Hollywood. Some promising newcomer. Not bad at all."

"Alright, let's hurry up and challenge him. Just look how flushed he is."

"John, how about you go first? I'll see whether his lineup differs from the one in the game."

John nodded, he didn't particularly care and simply took out his NovaPocket. The Gym's facilities were fully equipped. Whether using the console version or the handheld version, players could battle smoothly.

Blaine threw back his head and laughed before taking out a NovaPocket of his own. His version, however, featured unique flame-patterned customization, making it look exceptionally cool.

"Are you ready? My Pokémon have been trained using the heat of a volcano! Let the battle reach a fever pitch!"

Mike stepped closer, intending to watch carefully. The moment he saw what was on the screen, his vision nearly went dark.

"Holy crap, John! Why did you bring Charizard? And why are all your moves Fire-type?"

"Huh? Is that bad?"

John scratched his head. He had always used Charizard as his lead Pokémon. This Pokémon had been with him since the very beginning and had never left his team. Raising it from a tiny Charmander to what it was now, it could definitely be considered one of John's most reliable partners.

"Fire attacks against Fire Pokémon aren't very effective! They get damage reduction!"

Mike pressed a hand to his forehead helplessly. It seemed John really hadn't paid much attention to the game's mechanics.

"Hold on, let me look at your team... seriously. Couldn't you at least have brought a Gyarados?"

...

With a chaotic moveset and absolutely no regard for type matchups, John was unsurprisingly defeated. He could only kill some time in the Gym's gift shop while waiting for Mike.

The gift shop was essentially similar to the Pokémon Centers he was familiar with, filled entirely with Pokémon themed merchandise.

After some thought, John ended up buying a Charmander plush. By the time he squeezed through the packed crowd and returned to the main hall, the battle between the two seemed to have already concluded.

Mike's carefully prepared counter-team had defeated the Gym Leader's ace, Magmar, with almost no difficulty at all.

"Urgh!"

Blaine let out a low growl.

"Too... too strong! You've completely burned me out! This Volcano Badge is yours!"

As he spoke, he pulled a flame-shaped badge from the pocket of his lab coat. Made entirely of metal, it had a surprisingly solid weight to it.

"Remember to take your badge to the front desk and claim your reward: TM38, Fire Blast!"

"Have you heard of the Pokémon League? It's a place that only those who collect all eight badges are qualified to challenge. Your path lies there!"

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