Key Takeaways
- Game Freak has reportedly suffered a hack, with leaked information and materials on the Pokemon series being shared online.
- This includes a document which is apparently a transcript of a meeting between Game Freak and The Pokemon Company, discussing Ash’s departure from the anime.
- In the apparent meeting, attendees expressed fear over fan backlash, bringing up the possibility of death threats and even an arson attack.
Material reported to have come from a leak at Game Freak is being shared online, potentially revealing numerous Pokemon projects and design documents for previous games. However, the leaked material also covers the anime, and includes what appears to be a transcription of a meeting in which Game Freak and The Pokemon Company discuss Ash’s departure from the show.
If legitimate, this shows that the Pokemon creators were extremely fearful of the potential backlash stemming from Ash leaving the anime. Throughout the meeting, attendees make reference to death threats that were received over previous controversies in the series, and at one point even bring up the possibility of an arson attack if the news is taken badly.
Pokemon Creators Apparantly Feared Fan Backlash Over Ash’s Departure From The Anime
The notes from this apparent meeting were shared by the account Centro Leaks. The meeting is said to have taken place on May 2, 2022, so just under a year before the Pokemon Journeys finale.
In the document that contains these notes, a representative of Game Freak is quoted as saying: “If things keep going as they are, we could see petitions calling for Ash to stay. In the worst-case scenario, we might even see incidents of arson. These things could escalate.”
Later on, the same representative reflects on previous examples of fan backlash in other media. “This situation reminds me of how George Lucas handled Star Wars – he often frustrated fans by making decisions that didn’t align with their expectations, despite having creative control,” he says. “It’s a similar case here. Pokemon has evolved beyond just the original creators’ vision; it belongs to the fans now too.”
A representative from The Pokemon Company is then quoted as agreeing with these fears. “Yes, I think we’ve learned from this experience,” he says. “In the future, we need to maintain a better balance between respecting the creators and ensuring that the fans feel heard and valued.”
Others in this apparent meeting also say that Pokemon creators previously received abuse over unpopular decisions. More specifically, an attendee from Game Freak says that there were death threats over Serena returning to the anime.
The leak is still ongoing. Game Freak is yet to comment on the material that is being shared online.
Pokemon
Pokemon has entertained both children and adults alike for several generations. Whether hit video games, anime series and movies, trading cards, or more, there’s something for every budding trainer hoping to catch ’em all.
