Mega Evolutions and Gen 6 starters have been teased in a new promotional artwork for the fourth anniversary of Pokémon GO. Developer Niantic announced that Mega Evolutions (and, consequently, Gen 6 pokémon) would be coming to the popular mobile game sometime in 2020. Mega Evolutions were originally introduced into the series in Pokémon X and Y (also known as Gen 6) back in 2013 and were also included in Pokémon Sun and Moon. The feature has yet to make a return in Gen 8 or Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Niantic has been regularly adding pokémon from each of the series’ generations since the game launched in 2016. The developer is currently in the process of adding Gen 5 pokémon to the game, although the company has been known to start adding pokémon from succeeding generations before they’ve even completed the current one, such as the addition of several Galar Region pokémon (also known as Gen 8) during and after the launch of Pokémon Sword and Shield. Additionally, several pokémon from Gen 4 have yet to be added to the game as well.
The promotional artwork was included in Niantic’s latest blog post in which the developer talks about the upcoming Pokémon GO Fest 2020, which has been transformed into an online-only event due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis happening around the world. The blog post also showcases a new Pokémon GO Fest 2020 commercial directed by Rian Johnson, who's best known for directing Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Apart from being an online-only event, Pokémon GO Fest 2020 is also hosting weekly challenges for all the game’s players regardless of whether they own a ticket into the event.
Looking closely at the promotional artwork, Gen 6 starters Fennekin, Chespin, and Froakie can all be seen hiding around the image. Mega Lucario, Mega Charizard, Mega Mewtwo Y, as well as the Pokémon GO Fest 2020 featured Mythical pokémon, Victini, have also been included in the artwork. Other notable appearances in the promotional artwork include Team Rocket hot air balloons and both Gen 5 legendary Pokémon Reshiram and Zekrom flying alongside Mega Mewtwo Y.
Niantic has yet to announce when Mega Evolutions and the Gen 6 pokémon will be available in the game but more information is expected to be announced sometime during Pokémon GO Fest 2020 on July 25 and 26. It will be interesting to see how Niantic plans to implement Mega Evolutions in the game. In spite of the current COVID-19 crisis that’s preventing people from stepping out of their homes, Pokémon GO is said to be having its best year yet.
Source: Pokémon GO