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Video game milestones

It was released first in its native Japan, but was soon exported to the U.S., where it officially became an international phenomenon. Its success led to its introduction in places not normally associated with video games, including laundromats. Eventually, the game would bring in around $500 million for its Japanese owners, a sum that caused the U.S. entertainment industry to finally sit up and take notice of video games.

It was released first in its native Japan, but was soon exported to the U.S., where it officially became an international phenomenon. Its success led to its introduction in places not normally associated with video games, including laundromats. Eventually, the game would bring in around $500 million for its Japanese owners, a sum that caused the U.S. entertainment industry to finally sit up and take notice of video games.  (Glenn Koenig / LAT)

'Pokemon' (1995)

Titles licensed from film and television shows have long been derided by video-game fans as quick attempts to make a buck on a brand name. Nintendo’s “Pokemon” series has been the exception, its dozen-plus titles having sold more than 164 million copies worldwide, according to the company.

This year’s Nintendo DS editions -- “Pokemon Diamond” and “Pearl” -- were released to critical acclaim, and the two titles taken together (collect them all!) have already sold about 9 million copies. Perhaps more importantly to Nintendo, the Pokemon titles are spawning a new generation of young role-players.  (Yoshikazu Tsuno AFP / Getty Images)

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