The New York Video Game Critics Circle (NYVGCC) named Pokémon one of its fifteenth recipients of the Andrew Yun Legend Award.
In a statement, the NYVGCC called Pokémon “an iconic product of global popular culture that broke through to video games and mainstream audiences in the mid-to-late '90s through its unique combination of collectability, strong and accessible RPG gameplay, and unprecedented character design.”
The New York Video Game Critics Circle presents the Andrew Yun Legend Award to industry professionals and organizations that have “demonstrated a significant, sustained body of work demonstrating exceptional artistic achievement and innovation” and are named after co-founder Andrew Yun. Previous honorees include Sam Lake, Neil Druckmann, Reggie Fils-Aimé, Phil Spencer, Tim Schafer, Jerry Lawson, Jade Raymond, Richard Garriott, Todd Howard, Ralph Baer and Hideo Kojima.
“With global retail sales of $12 billion in 2024, including more than 489 million games sold since 1996, Pokémon is considered one of the most profitable media franchises in the world,” the organization said. “Its legend only grows stronger as new generations are drawn to new video games, animated series, movies, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, mobile apps and more from The Pokémon Company.”
“How do you articulate the impact of a cultural phenomenon like Pokemon? “Legend is the only word that comes to mind,” said Harold Goldberg, president and founder of NYVGCC. “Over 30 years, the franchise has grown into the most recognizable game series in the world and is beloved for its unique monster designs that challenge players, young and old, to catch 'em all.
“I am incredibly honored to present the company with the Andrew Yun Legend Award at our 15th New York Game Awards celebration.”
“The Pokémon Company is unparalleled and responsible for creating a huge franchise that has become a landmark title in gaming's storied history,” added Reggie Fils-Aimé, former President of Nintendo of America and NYVGCC Board Member. “I've seen first-hand the love and care that goes into every Pokémon game I've been involved in, and how deeply each new game has resonated with fans. Now to be there for Pokémon to be named the winner of this year's Andrew Yoon Award is a full circle moment that I'm thrilled to be a part of!”
The franchise will be honored at the New York Game Awards on January 18, 2026.
