It started as a simple internet meme: women asking the men in their lives how often they thought about the Roman Empire. The answers (ranging from “daily” to “at least three times a week”) shocked the collective internet. But as we move further into 2026, a new contender has emerged for the title of “the thing men think about when no one else is around.”
Forget gladiators and aqueducts. The modern obsession is much smaller, more colourful, and thanks to recent global releases made of plastic. As discussed on the Multiplay podcast, Pokémon has officially become the new Roman Empire for men.
The Conversation
During a recent episode of Multiplay, the sentiment was captured perfectly. “I think Pokémon’s become the new Roman Empire, It’s what dudes talk about when no one else is around.”
The reaction from this episodes co-hosts Nick and Marcus was instantaneous. There was no debate, only immediate confession. Marcus admitted, “It’s like two things that I’m secretly into now and now I’ve just outed myself.”
What was once a childhood hobby has evolved into a sophisticated, multi-generational obsession that occupies a significant amount of mental real estate.
Why Pokémon? Why Now?
So, why has a franchise about pocket monsters replaced the fall of a civilisation in our subconscious? It comes down to this. Much like the strategic intricacies of Roman military campaigns, modern Pokémon enthusiasts aren’t just “playing a game.” They are managing complex statistics, breeding for perfect “IVs”, and studying the meta-game of competitive play.
There is a sense of order and mastery in Pokémon that appeals to the same part of the brain that appreciates the organisation of a Roman Legion. It is a world where effort is rewarded with progress, and where every “mon” has its place in a grand, evolving history.
The LEGO Factor: Bricks and Beasts
The fire was truly stoked this week with the long-awaited arrival of LEGO Pokémon. For years, fans had to settle for off-brand alternatives, but the official partnership has changed the landscape.
Building a 6k+ Charizard/Venusaur/Blastoise provides a tactile satisfaction that digital gaming cannot match. It is architectural, it is meditative and let’s be honest, it looks fantastic on an office shelf. It provides a “legitimate” adult excuse to engage with the franchise. You aren’t just playing with toys; you are “curating a collection” or “investing in a display piece.”
The “Secret” Hobby Goes Mainstream
Perhaps the most interesting part of this trend is the “secret” nature of it. In the podcast, we touched on the idea that this is the conversation that happens behind closed doors. Men are discussing the viability of a Water-type team or the best way to display their LEGO Mewtwo with the same intensity their grandfathers might have discussed the Punic Wars.
But as more people “out” themselves, the secrecy is fading. Pokémon is a global cultural pillar. Whether it is through the lens of nostalgia or the genuine thrill of the 2026 competitive circuit, the franchise has proven it has the staying power of… well, an empire.
So, the next time you see a man staring off into the distance, lost in thought, don’t assume he’s thinking about Julius Caesar. There is a very high chance he’s just wondering where he’s going to fit that new LEGO Pikachu.
