Unraveling the Enigma: The Extraordinary Dual Impact of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Latest Event
The latest Pokemon Scarlet and Violet event offers an exciting array of challenges and immersive experiences, making it a true blessing for players However, its approach of treating the game like a live-service title may have long-term consequences
Highlights
The latest update in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduces real-time miniature adventures, transforming in-game events into exciting battles.
The Get Mew and Mewtwo event provides players with numerous benefits, but it could establish a pattern that might hinder the introduction of new content for the franchise.
The growing trend of live-service events in core Pokemon games can exclude players with unreliable internet connections or restricted access to specific areas, while also leading to fatigue and a fear of missing out.
The Pokemon Scarlet and Violet update brings exciting changes to in-game events. Previously, players would participate in distribution events to obtain special Pokemon, resulting in cutscenes or trips to secret islands. However, these events have now transformed into real-time adventures that challenge players to train their Pokemon to battle upcoming threats. The recent Get Mew and Mewtwo event showcases this evolution.
While the Get Mew and Mewtwo event in Scarlet and Violet is thrilling, it raises concerns about future promotions. On one hand, the event provides players with an extensive two-week experience. On the other hand, it raises questions about the future direction of the franchise. Despite the abundance of live-service Pokemon games available, Scarlet and Violet's latest raid battle feels more akin to a live-service event, even though it is a mainline game.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Latest Event is Incredible In Terms of Variety
The introduction of internet-based Mystery Gift distributions in recent Pokemon games has decreased the need to visit specific game stores or attend official events to obtain rare pocket monsters. Despite the challenges faced during in-person distributions, there is still a sense of nostalgia for acquiring Pokemon like Arceus because they trigger various events within the game, such as unlocking special areas or activating event-specific cutscenes. However, as distribution events became more common, they lost their appeal and excitement among players.
However, Pokemon Sword and Shield have introduced a new trend for special events, particularly limited-time raid battles featuring unique creatures. This shift has been for the better, as the Get Mew and Mewtwo event now offers numerous smaller events and benefits that gradually lead up to the much-anticipated 7-star raids with Mewtwo, equipped with the powerful Mightiest Mark in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Players have the chance to obtain a personalized Mew and engage in special raid battles geared towards building up effective defenses against Mewtwo, ultimately culminating in a legendary showdown. The entirety of the Get Mew and Mewtwo event is truly a spectacle from beginning to end.
Why Treating Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Like a Live-Service Game Isn't Good in the Long Run
Unfortunately, the new Mewtwo and Mew event raises concerns that cannot be ignored. Upon closer examination, it resembles an event typically seen in games like Pokemon Masters EX, from its marketing strategy to the offerings within the game itself. This event even comes with its own dedicated title and promotional banner. While Scarlet and Violet are flagship console games, the introduction of these types of events could potentially impact future Pokemon events, potentially imposing limitations on the achievements of future generations in terms of distribution events.
In the current era of the gaming industry, extensive discussions have taken place regarding where the boundaries should be set in terms of completing games through patches and DLC updates, as well as the extent to which content should require internet access. Despite the fact that most modern gamers likely have internet access, some face difficulties with unstable connections and unreliable providers. Constantly incorporating live-service events into console games could potentially inconvenience these players.
The current problem in Pokemon is the lack of consideration for players in rural and quieter areas. These places struggle with a scarcity of Poke Stops and Gyms, making gameplay tedious. Although the inclusion of Get Mew and Mewtwo is a positive step towards adding diversity to the usual events in mainline Pokemon games, Generation 10 should be cautious about resembling live-service titles too closely if raids like these persist.
