It may seem odd to think that it has been nearly six months since the COVID-19 pandemic became a fixture of everyday life. Despite most aspects of daily living slowly moving back to normality, the virus is still very much a factor across various industries. Since February,The Pokemon Company has been dealing with the pandemicwith its most recent measure being to temporarily shutdown a beloved store.
The Pokemon Companyconfirmed that the Pokemon Center in Hiroshima is closing as of today, August 16. The official Japanese Pokemon Twitter account announced this measure as a precaution due to an employee within the branch testing positive for COVID-19.
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The Hiroshima Pokemon Center, which opened in 2015 and has Shiny Gyarados as its mascot, will remain closed indefinitely according to the post. The store has become a necessary visit for any Pokemon fan the world over when travelling to Japan. It is one of the 14 Pokemon Centers scattered around the country and is considered one of the best according to visitors. However, Japan is not the only country to hold an entire store dedicated to one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises.
Last year saw a new expansion for the store chain whena Pokemon Center opened in Londonin celebration of thePokemon Sword and Shieldlaunch. The timing was likely due to the connection ofPokemon SwordandShield’s Galar region being based on the UK in terms of geography and style.
The Pokemon Center of Hiroshima closing is another reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much ongoing and still affects the gaming industry through numerous avenues. The pandemic caused the delay of numerous games earlier this year and continues the domino effect as more studios adapt to remote work. Square Enix confirmed that whileFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2is in active development, COVID-19 has impacted the project as more staff work from home.
While the pandemic has hit the Pokemon Company in certain ways, it has also served as a means for boosting player engagement. Gamers pondered howPokemon GOwould adapt to mandates of lockdown variations across the globe with some speculating that players would drop away from the game. Yet, the mobile game has seen a massive resurgence in investment asPokemon GOis having a record breaking yearin 2020 despite the pandemic.
ForPokemonfans in Hiroshima, it is unknown when they will be able to visit the Pokefan’s paradise, which features a long range ofPokemonitems.
