Don McGowan is a self-described “failed stand-up comic” with a background in philosophy and theology. Nowadays, he spends his time surrounded by the likes of Sharpedo, Victini and Pikachu. Since 2008, he has been GC of The Pokémon Company International Inc., managing three lawyers in Seattle, one in London and two paraprofessionals.
To work with a beloved property in the world of trading cards, video games and cartoons, McGowan needs not just legal acumen but also “nerd cred.” His legal career took him from firms in Montreal into the world of gaming, working as head lawyer for the Microsoft Game Studios before transitioning to Pokémon. It was a natural fit for McGowan, 44, who owns not just a Nintendo 3DS (a must for any Pokémon enthusiast), but also two Xboxes and a PlayStation 4, though he admits he is “legendarily terrible” in office gaming tournaments. The McGill grad even got his university to name the student society building after fellow grad (and “Star Trek” actor) William Shatner. He spoke with senior editor Rich Steeves; an edited version of their conversation follows.
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