Pokémon Shaking Up its Release Strategy: What's in Store for Fans?

Highlights

The Pokemon Company is considering making adjustments to its release schedule following fan backlash towards recent games.

Fans have expressed criticism towards the rapid release schedule of Pokemon games, suggesting that it may be negatively impacting the game's quality. Although no official announcement has been made, fans who have been dissatisfied with the franchise's recent games might welcome a potential alteration in the release cycle.

According to a recent interview with The Pokemon Company, adjustments to the release schedule of Pokemon games may be under consideration due to fan backlash. The franchise's rapid success and iconic status in the gaming industry has resulted in an accelerated timeline for game releases, particularly in recent years. In 2022, two highly-anticipated games, Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, were launched in the same calendar year. However, the negative feedback from passionate fans regarding the quality of these recent releases has led the publisher to contemplate changes for future game releases. The overwhelming number of new Pokemon games has subjected several entries to increased criticism. Both Pokemon Sword and Shield and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet faced criticism, with fans expressing concerns over the rushed release schedule potentially impacting the games' quality. Scarlet and Violet, in particular, faced significant backlash due to performance issues at launch, including frame rate problems, a subpar online experience, and other technical difficulties. It appears that The Pokemon Company is taking note of the troubled launch of Scarlet and Violet and might be considering it in their future plans.

During a recent interview with ComicBook, Takato Utsunomiya, COO of The Pokemon Company, discussed the publisher's plans amid a heightened release schedule and potential internal changes. Utsunomiya acknowledged the company's usual consistent release pattern, releasing new products "on a fixed cadence" over the years. However, he mentioned that the company is now engaging in more discussions on how to maintain this pace while ensuring the introduction of quality products. Utsunomiya did not directly confirm any adjustments to the release schedule in the interview.

Many fans of the Pokemon franchise have expressed criticism towards the quality of its newest games, making a change to the usual release cycle likely to be well-received. In addition to the launch of two new generations in recent years, there have also been major spinoffs such as Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as Legends: Arceus. The Pokemon Company has also been increasingly collaborating with other developers for spinoffs like Pokemon Unite and Pokemon Sleep.

Although Pokemon has not officially confirmed any changes to its release schedule, the franchise is already gearing up for a busy period in the upcoming months. The first half of the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, called The Teal Mask, is scheduled to be released next month, followed by The Indigo Disk in the following year. There have also been rumors circulating about potential remakes of Pokemon Black and White, expected to be unveiled in the near future. A revision to Pokemon's release schedule could be advantageous for both the developers and the fans of the franchise.

Source: ComicBook