Final answer:
Pokémon is a video game created by Satoshi Tajiri for the Game Boy in the 90s, inspired by his hobby of insect collecting and similar to Japan's insect battles. Players train Pokémon to compete, reflecting themes of collection, strategy, and friendliness. The franchise has since become a massive global success.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pokémon, a multimedia franchise, originated as a video game in the 1990s. Developed for the Game Boy console by Nintendo, Satoshi Tajiri designed it based on his childhood hobby of insect collecting, which paralleled the popular insect battle culture in Japan. In the game, players capture and train creatures called 'Pokémon' to battle one another, but rather than aiming to harm, the goal is to stun the opponent's Pokémon for victory.
The game's premise underscores themes of collection and friendly competition, much like Tajiri's insect battles from his youth. Pokémon's growth into a global phenomenon has been fueled by its expansive world, memorable characters, and the foundational principles of strategy and companionship that appeal to a wide audience beyond its initial demographic.