Pokemonfans have been spoiled with news lately, but little of it is about the future of the franchise. However, just because some mechanics were cut from past games doesn’t mean they can’t find their way into the next mainlinePokemontitles.
Game Freak, the studio behindPokemon, was recently hit by a massive data breach, leading to an unheard of amount of leaked material from the planning stages of past games in the series. While this information is seen as a plus by many fans, it’s important to remember that these types of leaks have a dark side.Game Freak said in a statement about thePokemonleakthat the personal information of employees has also been part of the information that has been made public. Scrapped Pokemon, early builds for old games, and even cut mechanics have also been shared online. One cut feature from Generation 6, the ability for players to create their own Pokemon gyms, might be a strong contender to show up in a future game.
Pokemon’s Cut Content Deserves a Second Chance
One good thing about the recent leaks is that they give fans an insight into the development process of some of their favorite games. Almost like gazing into an alternate timeline, it shows players what might have been, for better or worse. Some information, such asearly appearances of unreleased Pokemon, was probably better left on the cutting room floor in favor of better designs. However, some fans have lamented about the removal of certain ideas that they believe should have been left in.
The prospect of creating their own gyms for other players to battle against is one example of a mechanic that players might have enjoyed. Of course, the information that has been divulged only tells what the mechanics were, not why they weren’t included in the final game. It’s worth remembering that Game Freak has a storied history in the industry, so if it felt the mechanic shouldn’t be present, surely there was a reason for that decision.
Generation 6’sPokemon X and Ywere a major turning point for the franchise. These were the games that marked the series’ jump to 3D graphics while also adding the fairy type and mega evolutions to the series. Designing those major changes must have pushed the minds at Game Freak to the limit, so it’s almost surprising that the games turned out as well as they did. The added feature of creating gyms would have been fun for players to experiment with, but it likely wasn’t seen as a necessity to the game’s success.
Still, the future holds potential for cut content from the Kalos region. With players returning to the setting soon inPokemon Legends: Z-A, there are theories thatcut Mega Evolutions might resurface. If cut content is on its way back, it’s certainly possible that Game Freak may revisit the gym idea as well.
Pokemon Gen 6’s Cut Gym Feature Has Some Precedent
Although Game Freak is, understandably, upset by the data breach and resultant leaks, it may be able to turn the results in its favor. Fan reactions to the information could help Game Freak gauge the likelihood of success for future mechanics. Players have already had a taste of creatinggyms with unique gimmicks inPokemon GO, so Game Freak would be wise to pay attention to what fans are saying.
Players were also allowed to build gyms, on a small scale, in theOmega Ruby and Alpha Sapphiregames by using super secret bases. A similarsecret base mechanic also appeared inPokemonBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, which allowed players the freedom to decorate their base in the underground, updating the same mechanic fromDiamond, Pearl, andPlatinum. It may be possible that the Gen 6 gym mechanic was cut because Game Freak felt it was too similar to otherPokemonplans, or it may have simply been a test for their implementation further down the line. Even so, now that players are aware of a mechanic that they missed out on, Game Freak may want to appease them by including it in a futurePokemongame.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
WHERE TO PLAY
The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations in order to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you can join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.
