What makes a Generation?

[Unity 332]

So this is just a small question.

What makes a Generation a Generation. I always see people talking about  things like G4 and G5 but what is an actual generation?

Also if you have seen somebody answer the question there is no need to post the same answer again.

<Thanks, I figured it out>

Edited January 30, 2018 by donttellmum

[Hazard Time 1,127]

It mostly has to do with consistency of the line, such as the characters, art style, toys, etc.  The way the third generation was marketed, for example, was entirely different from the way the current generation is marketed, and if the rumors are true, then the marketing strategy of the next generation will be even more broad.

[Unity 332]

Just now, Hazard Time said:

It mostly has to do with consistency of the line, such as the characters, art style, toys, etc.  The way the third generation was marketed, for example, was entirely different from the way the current generation is marketed, and if the rumors are true, then the marketing strategy of the next generation will be even more broad.

So just change of the design and IRL items then?

[luftschloss 833]

Usually there are new characters as well, or old ones are carried over but their personalities and appearances are changed dramatically- that is, except for Applejack, who... basically stayed the same.

[Unity 332]

Just now, luftschloss said:

Usually there are new characters as well, or old ones are carried over but their personalities and appearances are changed dramatically- that is, except for Applejack, who... basically stayed the same.

So would the end of S3 be a new generation then?

[Hazard Time 1,127]

Just now, donttellmum said:

So just change of the design and IRL items then?

Basically, though again it all comes back to marketing.  The target demographic influences everything else.  For example, the first generation was targeted at young boys and girls, the second generation dropped the boys and exclusively targeted the girls, the third generation attempted to cash in on the much younger prepubescent girl demographic, and while the fourth generation originally started as a campaign towards younger girls, it has since branched out with things such as the Guardians of Harmony toy line, etc.

[luftschloss 833]

Just now, donttellmum said:

So would the end of S3 be a new generation then?

No; I mean more in terms of the main cast.

[Unity 332]

Just now, Hazard Time said:

Basically, though again it all comes back to marketing.  The target demographic influences everything else.  For example, the first generation was targeted at young boys and girls, the second generation dropped the boys and exclusively targeted the girls, the third generation attempted to cash in on the much younger prepubescent girl demographic, and while the fourth generation originally started as a campaign towards younger girls, it has since branched out with things such as the Guardians of Harmony toy line, etc.

Ok, thanks guys, guess it isn' really anything I should worry about

Just now, luftschloss said:

No; I mean more in terms of the main cast.

Ok I get it now, so it' just marketing major design changes and the cast I guess

[Hierok 11,833]

I would say these things are the time it's made in, the animation style and characters.

[EpicEnergy 23,246]

Many would say the toyline, but I think it is the show that makes the generation.

[Splashee 28,599]

A garage sale