Is Winds and Waves the Evolution Pokémon Needs for Its 30th Anniversary?

The current state of Pokémon games is one of stagnation despite the franchise's monumental success across various media. While Pokémon has expanded its reach, from music collaborations to theme parks, the core video games have faced criticism for their rigid design and technical shortcomings. Game Freak and Nintendo have little incentive to change this course, as evidenced by record-breaking sales, suggesting that many fans are content with the existing formula. The future of Pokémon may hinge on whether upcoming titles, such as Winds and Waves, will finally embrace innovation.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Pokémon franchise is thriving like never before, with its reach extending well beyond video games. Collaborations with artists like Katy Perry and Post Malone, as well as the launch of Pokémon-themed merchandise in major outlets like the Natural History Museum, illustrate its cultural impact. The trading card game has seen extraordinary success, with rare cards fetching millions. However, despite this overwhelming popularity, the Pokémon video games are perceived to be in a troubling state. Critiques centre around their lack of innovation, outdated graphics, and a failure to fully utilise the capabilities of modern gaming hardware.

Key takeaways

• Despite massive success, Pokémon video games are seen as stagnant and technically inadequate.
• Game Freak and Nintendo have little incentive to innovate due to consistent high sales.
• Upcoming titles like Winds and Waves may signal a shift towards more ambitious game design.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the franchise's inception, Pokémon has evolved significantly, but the video games have faced challenges particularly since the transition to home consoles:

• 1996: Pokémon Red and Green launch in Japan, sparking the franchise's inception.
• 2019: Pokémon Sword and Shield release, marking the first mainline games on the Nintendo Switch.
• 2022: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet introduced open-world gameplay but faced backlash over technical issues.
• 2023: The Pokémon Company acknowledges the need for quality improvements amid ongoing sales success.
• 2026: Upcoming release of Pokémon Winds and Waves, with speculation about new gameplay elements.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The upcoming title, Pokémon Winds and Waves, is generating buzz for potentially addressing the criticisms levelled at previous games. While details remain sparse, early visuals suggest a significant graphical improvement, and the 2027 release date indicates a longer development cycle.

What was already established

Since its transition to home consoles, Pokémon has been criticised for a lack of innovation and reliance on outdated graphics. Many players have noted that each new entry tends to recycle ideas rather than introduce substantial changes, leading to a sense of gameplay stagnation.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK consumers, the Pokémon franchise remains a significant cultural touchstone. However, the perceived decline in the quality of video games may affect long-term interest among players. While children continue to be introduced to Pokémon, seasoned fans express frustration over the same gameplay mechanics and graphics.

Businesses and jobs

The Pokémon brand's extensive reach has created numerous economic opportunities in merchandising, media, and event hosting. However, the stagnation in video game design may hinder new job creations within the gaming sector, as innovation often leads to new roles and responsibilities.

Policy and regulation

As the gaming industry evolves, regulatory bodies may scrutinise the practices of major developers like Nintendo and Game Freak. The success of Pokémon could bring about discussions on fair gaming practices, particularly concerning game quality versus profitability.

Numbers that matter

• Over £12 million: Sale price of a rare Pokémon card, showcasing the franchise's massive appeal.
• 10 million: Copies of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet sold within three days of launch, setting a record.
• 28.08 million: Total sales for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, making it the second-best-selling Pokémon game.
• 1,000+: Total Pokémon species across nine generations, complicating game design and balance.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Dexit: A term used by fans to describe the removal of Pokémon from Sword and Shield.
• MMO: Massively Multiplayer Online game, a genre that allows many players to interact in a virtual world.
• Game Freak: The developer responsible for the mainline Pokémon games and a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As anticipation builds for Pokémon Winds and Waves, fans should keep an eye on official announcements regarding gameplay mechanics and features that may signify a shift in design philosophy.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the release of Winds and Waves, the gaming community will likely engage in discussions about its innovations and whether they meet player expectations. This period may also reveal how Game Freak adapts based on feedback.

Signals to watch

• Sales figures for Winds and Waves compared to previous titles.
• Community feedback on gameplay innovation and graphical improvements.
• Future announcements from Game Freak regarding long-term franchise direction.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on announcements related to Pokémon Winds and Waves.
• Engage in community discussions to gauge the sentiment around upcoming games.
• Explore spin-off titles that may offer fresh gameplay experiences.

Don’t

• Overlook the potential for future games to innovate based on community feedback.
• Assume that stagnation will continue indefinitely; changes could be on the horizon.
• Neglect other aspects of the Pokémon franchise, such as trading cards and merchandise, which remain strong.

Checklist

• Follow official Pokémon channels for updates.
• Participate in Pokémon-related events and communities.
• Consider exploring alternative games in the genre like Monster Hunter Stories 3.
• Monitor review platforms for feedback on new releases.
• Stay informed about potential DLC for existing games.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The gaming landscape is unpredictable, and while Pokémon enjoys robust sales, changes in consumer preferences could emerge. Additionally, ongoing technical issues may impact future sales if they are not adequately addressed. The competitive landscape is also evolving, and while Pokémon has remained dominant, new contenders could emerge, prompting a reassessment of Game Freak's design philosophy.

Bottom line

The Pokémon franchise continues to thrive commercially, but the video games are due for a significant overhaul. The upcoming release of Winds and Waves holds promise for innovation, but whether it will deliver remains to be seen. For fans, the hope is that this new title marks a turning point for the series, ushering in a new era of creativity and quality.

FAQs

Why are Pokémon games considered stagnant?

Many fans feel that Pokémon games have not evolved significantly, often recycling gameplay mechanics and lacking substantial graphical improvements compared to other modern titles.

What is Dexit in the context of Pokémon?

Dexit refers to the decision made during Pokémon Sword and Shield to not include every Pokémon species, which caused backlash among long-time fans.

What can we expect from Pokémon Winds and Waves?

While details are limited, there are expectations for improved graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics, following a longer development cycle than previous titles.