Summary
Pokemon’s 30th anniversary is rapidly approaching, and a legion of rumors are currently circulating about Game Freak’s unannounced Gen 10Pokemongames. With fans speculating about everything from the upcoming games’ region and new Eeveelutions, to development cycles and new mechanics, it’s time to take a look at the biggest andmost crediblePokemonGen 10 rumorsso far.
Pokemon Legends Z-Awas only announced a few weeks ago, but fans are already gearing up for the announcement of Game Freak’s nextPokemonproject. With job listings hinting that Game Freak is working on a ‘next generation’ title, it seems almost certain that the Gen 10PokemonGames will be coming to Nintendo’s next system. With new hardware comes new possibilities and fans have no shortage of theories as to what these possibilities might be.
Rumors are Swirling Around the Gen 10 Pokemon Games
Game Freak’sPokemonrelease patternhas been consistent since the games began in 1996: no more than four years between mainlinePokemontitles, and three years between them on average. WithPokemon ScarletandVioletreleasing in 2022, Game Freak’s release pattern suggests a newPokemongame could be right around the corner. As always happens at this point in aPokemongame’s life-cycle, social media is abuzz with fan speculation about what Game Freak’s nextPokemonproject might look like—new starter type combos, a return to 2D, bringing back Mega-Evolutions, revisiting Kanto, and so on. However, some rumors are stronger than others; a few facts seem more plausible.
Gen 10 Might Feature an Expanded Co-op Mode
InPokemon Scarlet and Violet, fans got their first ever chance to run around with friends in the world ofPokemon. While some fans criticized the feature for being underdeveloped, others welcomed the addition as a step in the right direction. It would be a no-brainer if the Gen 10Pokemongames develop onScarlet and Violet’s most well-received elements, and the multiplayer functionality will likely be a core focus of that development. Allowing players to engage in double battles with their friends—maybe even having a handful of optional gym leaders, trainers, and events be exclusive to multiplayer—would be an effective way to make the world ofPokemonfeel more alive than ever and put a renewed emphasis onPokemon’s cooperative elements.
Game Freak Is Looking To Avoid Gen 9’s Mistakes
WithNintendo publicly apologizing forPokemonGen 9’s performance, and Game Freak hiring a wave of new talent for a currently unannounced project, it seems likely that there’s some truth to the rumors that Game Freak is looking to avoid the glitches and performance issues that plaguedScarlet and Violet. Rumors suggest that both Nintendo and Game Freak are committed to releasing a more polished product this time around.
There are rumors that Game Freak is gearing up to announce aPokemonspin-off game set to release betweenLegends Z-Aand the mainline Gen 10Pokemongames. Currently, fan speculation favors either aLet’s Gorelease ora remake ofPokemon Gold and Silver.
The New Pokemon Games Could Take Place in Italy or Australia
Though some fans believethe nextPokemonregion might be based on Australia, others have interpreted clues inPokemon Scarlet and Violetas pointing to an entirely different part of the world. With various posters and paintings across Paldea depicting a land with Mediterranean cobblestone streets and seaside towns, many fans believePokemon’s next region could be inspired by Italy.
With a deep well of ancient history and contemporary culture to pull from, taking inspiration from Italy could allow Game Freak to crafta vibrant and uniquePokemonregion. A team rocket equivalent inspired by ancient Rome could be a particularly interesting direction for the game’s antagonists, and towns could each take inspiration from Italy’s various regions—from the volcanic island of Sicily, to the idyllic tourist region of Abruzzo, on through Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Some Gen 10 Rumors Are Interesting But Unlikely
A rumor that has gained particular traction of late is that the upcoming gen 10Pokemongames will be titled ‘Zero’ and ‘One’—and, true to their binary titles, will put a thematic focus on AI and technology. While this would undoubtedly develop onthemes present inScarlet and Violet, the rumor is unfounded, originating on Japanese social media as one fan’s personal Gen 10 wishlist.
With the Gen 10Pokemongames still so far off, many of the rumors currently circulating are simply hopeful speculation. Still, if nothing else, early rumors at least showwhat fans want from the upcomingPokemongames. Game Freak would do well to pay attention.
Pokemon Legends Z-A
The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes Pokemon trainers back to the Kalos region’s Lumiose City.
