The months leading up to Pokémon Sword and Shield’s release have been tumultuous for both Game Freak and Pokémon fans alike. Some Sword and Shield features have upset fans, such as the limited National Pokédex, leaving Game Freak to defend themselves and clarify their approach to the game. Still, many fans have been left unsatisfied, and the criticisms against Game Freak have continued.
Some fans, however, are trying to drown out the negativity by uplifting the company and the Pokémon franchise through the #ThankYouGameFreak hashtag on Twitter, which trended worldwide for some time earlier this weekend. Pokémon YouTuber Mystic Umbreon started the tag with a Tweet expressing his gratitude toward Game Freak.
He later uploaded a YouTube video further explaining his intentions behind starting the hashtag. He wanted “to try and combat all the hate Game Freak is getting,” as he said he’s witnessed death threats made toward the company and noted the Sword and Shield leaks flooding the internet right now. He acknowledged that criticizing aspects of the games and Game Freak’s choices is valid, but argued that the unending negativity will cause “low morale” within Game Freak that could affect their ability to develop games. He encouraged other Pokémon fans to share their personal stories to contribute to the #ThankYouGameFreak movement on both Twitter and YouTube.
The response on Twitter was overwhelmingly positive, with countless players and fans sharing their personal experiences in the tag.
Some at Game Freak have noticed and responded to the hashtag since its Twitter takeover, such as Sword and Shield art director James Turner and Game Freak director Shigeru Ohmori, with gratitude and awe.
Pokémon Sword and Shield release on the Nintendo Switch this Friday, November 15.