New York Videogame Critics Circle (NYVGCC) reveals Pokémon is the 15th recipient of the Andrew Yoon Legend Award

The New York Videogame Critics Circle (NYVGCC) has added Pokémon as the fifteenth recipient of the Andrew Yoon Legend Award.

In a statement, the NYVGCC called Pokémon an “iconic staple of global popular culture, breaking through to video game and mainstream audiences in the mid-to-late 90s with a unique combination of collectibility, strong and approachable RPG gameplay and unparalleled character design.”

The New York Videogame Critics Circle presents the Andrew Yoon Legend Award industry professionals and organizations that “exhibited a significant, sustained body of work demonstrating exceptional artistic achievement and innovation,” and is named after founding member Andrew Yoon. Prior recipients 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 $12 billion in global retail sales in 2024, including over 489 million game copies sold since 1996, Pokémon is considered one of the world’s highest-grossing media franchises,” the organization stated. “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 Pokémon? ‘Legend’ is the only word that comes to mind,” said Harold Goldberg, president and founder, NYVGCC. “For 30 years, the franchise has grown to become the most recognizable game series in the world and is beloved for its unique monster designs that have compelled players young and old to catch ’em all.

“It is a tremendous honor to present the company with the Andrew Yoon Legend Award at our 15th celebration of the New York Game Awards.”

“The Pokémon Company is without peer, responsible for creating a massive juggernaut of a franchise that has become a landmark title in gaming’s storied history,” added Reggie Fils-Aimé, former president of Nintendo of America and board member, NYVGCC. “I saw firsthand the love and care that went into each Pokémon game I was part of, and how much each new game resonated deeply with the fans. Now, to be there for Pokémon, when it’s being recognized as this year’s winner of the Andrew Yoon Legend Award, it’s a full circle moment that I am ecstatic to be a part of!”

The franchise will be honored at the New York Game Awards on January 18, 2026.