Pokémon Unite was released on mobile on September 22, but a crossover event with Pokémon GO failed to appear. Pokémon Unite already has a significant player base on Switch, with many fans signing up on both platforms for rewards. The addition of a more accessible platform is an excellent move toward securing Unite’s longevity. However, both games would have benefitted from a Pokémon GO-Unite crossover, which could have aided the franchise greatly if properly executed.
Pokémon GO is a majorly successful mobile game for the franchise. Finding Pokémon out in the world and being rewarded for steps seemed like a dream come true for many fans. Though there were some flaws during its early days, Pokémon GO has evolved into a unique, exciting Pokémon experience. But both games could have received more profits if Pokémon GO had crafted a Pokémon Unite crossover event with exclusive, timed missions and rewards.
Pokémon GO has many events and quests but could have added Unite-themed Special Research to earn some of the game’s outfits. Players can earn characters during gameplay in Pokémon Unite, but they can also use premium currency to purchase cosmetics for Trainers and Pokémon. Many Pokémon with outfits are available in Pokémon GO (like the game's current Fashion Week), including Absol, Talonflame, Lucario, and Gardevoir. Previous Pokémon outfits have been (mostly) exclusive to Pikachu, and diversifying customized creatures would be a welcome change to GO’s current structure. Similarly, GO could have implemented Trainer outfits earnable through a Unite quest, where players could show off support for both games with new costumes.
Few things attract Pokémon GO players’ attention more than the addition of new Pokémon. Zeraora was the prize from Pokémon Unite’s launch event and is a Mythical Pokémon from the Alola region. Introducing a powerful new Pokémon to capture could have grabbed the attention of many players. While some may have protested the departure from Pokémon GO’s generational order, Zeraora’s addition could have brought attention to both games and even returned some players to GO. Zeraora’s presence in the Pokémon franchise may not be as significant as Pikachu or Charizard’s, but it appeared in its own Pokémon movie (The Power of Us), which has earned it some recognition.
Pokémon GO has held many events, rewarding players with each milestone they pass. Unite could have been given one of these kinds of event quests to reward players with a new playable Pokémon every time they cross a milestone. Fan-favorite monsters like Lucario, Charizard, and Absol are just a few of the available characters that could have been available as rewards. Long-time players would likely have already caught these monsters, but a Unite-themed quest could have encouraged new players to sign up to receive these monsters quickly.
While Pokémon Unite’s mobile launch failed to secure a crossover with Pokémon GO, there will likely be many chances for an event to happen in the future. Pokémon Unite is enjoying frequent updates and content releases with new characters and seasons. If this pattern continues, it’s likely Unite will enjoy a consistent player base similar to GO. Both games could benefit from a crossover event, but for now, fans will have to be patient and enjoy the titles separately.
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September 25, 2021 at 12:40AM
