The Game Freak leaks may have uncovered a hidden potential for thePokémonseries' future. The huge data breach that occurred at Game Freak earlier this year has resulted in the release of a plethora ofpreviously unseen material relating to thePokémonfranchise, including beta versions and prototypes of previous generations, alongside codenames for potential future entries.Pokémonfans have had plenty of new information to sift through, not least of which being previously unseen concept art for scrapped Pokémon.
These leaked character designs give a huge glimpse into the process of creating Pokémon, and the many creatures that almost had a chance of being included. This ranged from early designs for well-known Pokémon, as well as designs for Pokémon that were scrapped altogether. While the leaks are an exciting opportunity to delve further into the franchise’s decades-long history,it also shows a more inventive side to Pokémon design. One example in particular could hold the key towards a more ambitious,creative direction for Generation 10and beyond.
Pokémon Leaks Have Revealed Interesting Scrapped Designs
These Designs Contrast Pokémon’s More Light-Hearted Tone
Some of the scrapped designs (archived byCentro Leaks, a popular leaker on X, formerly Twitter) show the need for a fresh take on future Pokémon, as they contrast greatly to what previous generations have offered. The best example comes from concept art for a scrapped Pokémon that has a strong resemblance to the infamousMissingNo.Pokémonglitchthat can be found inRed and Blue. The design for this Pokémon serves as a great piece of fan service, asGame Freak was clearly willing to acknowledge a lesser-known part ofPokémon’s well-established history.
The true appeal of this design, however, comes from the more abstract, darker approach that was taken. Gone are the large googly eyes and vibrant color scheme fans would come to expect. Instead, this Pokémon is a multi-legged creature with an apparent ability to contort itself in a way that looks unsettling.The Pokémon’s lack of distinct features, save for the symbols on its side, make for a creature that feels alien, giving off a more eerie, intimidating presence that greatly contrasts the family-friendly approach typically used by Game Freak.
Future Pokémon Games Should Have This Kind Of Experimentation
This Approach Would Help To Make Each Generation Feel Unique
The more abstract, unique design revealed by the Game Freak leak is indicative of a change that’s sorely needed in thePokémonfranchise. While each generation is chock-full of cute, colorful designs,many Pokémon can end up looking very similar to one another. The lack of experimentation and willingness to push the design in the same way as some of the scrapped Pokémon will result in each subsequent generation becoming less original, causing the franchise as a whole to come to a standstill.
If thePokémonseries wishes to evolve in Generation 10 and beyond,Game Freak must be willing to give artists more room to further experiment with their designs. Recent generations have been on the right track. Gen 8’s Eternatus, for example, is a fierce dragon-like Pokémon with large, spiky claws that are truly terrifying. Gen 7’s Stakataka is a true anomaly, made up of a tower of sentient stones that makes for a mysterious, mythical design.
Part ofPokémon’s appeal comes in the sense of discovery that comes when meeting new Pokémon. It’s a sense of wonder that can become lost if players can become accustomed to the type of Pokémon they can come to expect. If this scrapped design proves anything, it’s the need for more experimentation and creativity on a far more ambitious scale. If each new generation can be made to feel distinct and unique from one another, then each new entry in thePokémonseries will continue to elicit that sense of discovery that’s a huge part of the overall franchise.
