Board Thread:Off Topic/@comment-25396609-20150826013454/@comment-26496056-20150830085911

in the manga, games, and anime the reason for the badges is to qualify for the tournament to determine the best trainers.

the differences are split in the different mediums

in the anime its a plot point and everyone has to get 8 badges to get into the league they hold no purpose beyond that

in the games it is also a plot point, and unfortunately the games never got the chance to delve deeper into why they are important after the anime set the common accepted standard the anime set

in the manga, it is to show you have the reconition of the gym leaders, and winning doesnt mean you get it, you could easily not get the badge even if you win if you don't impress the gym leader. there is alot more going on with the badges relating them to arceus and many other things. in fact you dont need the badges to enter the pokemon league in th emanga, it only grants you free entry :T, without the badges it costs almost as much as that bike from cerulean