Pokémon Franchise to Receive Prestigious Andrew Yoon Legend Award at 2026 New York Game Awards

The beloved Pok\u00e9mon franchise, a true cornerstone of global popular culture, is slated to receive the esteemed Andrew Yoon Legend Award at the 2026 New York Game Awards, coinciding with its 30th-anniversary festivities. This prestigious accolade, bestowed by the New York Videogame Critics Circle, acknowledges entities that have consistently demonstrated outstanding artistic merit and groundbreaking innovation throughout their extensive body of work. Preceding recipients of this significant honor include prominent figures such as Reggie Fils-Aim\u00e9 from Nintendo, Phil Spencer of Xbox, and the legendary game creator Hideo Kojima, underscoring the award's importance within the industry.

Reggie Fils-Aim\u00e9, a former Nintendo executive, shared his enthusiasm for Pok\u00e9mon's recognition, highlighting the franchise's unparalleled success and its status as a monumental achievement in the history of gaming. He expressed deep satisfaction in witnessing the dedication and passion invested in each Pok\u00e9mon title and the profound connection these games forged with fans, making this award a truly resonant moment for him. Since its debut in the mid-to-late 1990s, Pok\u00e9mon has evolved into one of the world's highest-grossing media franchises, boasting a staggering $12 billion in global retail sales in 2024 and over 489 million game copies sold since 1996. Its enduring popularity continues to captivate new audiences through a diverse range of media, including video games, animated series, films, the Trading Card Game, and mobile applications.

The 15th annual New York Game Awards ceremony is scheduled for January 18, 2026, at the SVA Theatre in Manhattan, where tickets are currently available for purchase. This celebration follows the recent launch of Pok\u00e9mon Legends: Z-A on both the Switch and Switch 2 platforms in October, further cementing the franchise's ongoing relevance and innovation. The award not only commemorates Pok\u00e9mon's remarkable journey but also inspires future creators to pursue excellence and foster meaningful connections with audiences worldwide, proving that dedication to craftsmanship and imaginative storytelling can create a lasting legacy for generations to come.