The codes for the fourth generation Pokémon games, Diamond and Pearl, have leaked online. Any news regarding Pokémon leaks is an exciting shot of adrenaline for franchise diehards. Given fans’ widespread love for Sinnoh, the excitement levels are extraordinarily high this time. Apart from creating hopeful speculation regarding future remasters, the codes have revealed prior unknown information about the games. Most notably, the games implemented increased and decreased Pokémon spawn rates on select dates. Among the dates were holidays and anniversaries, including the anniversaries of 9/11 and the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
Despite being a game aimed at children, Pokémon has always maintained some level of mature and suggestive concepts. Remember when Hypno kidnapped a child? No? What about the couple in Heart Gold and Soul Silver on Route 47? They battled using a Cloyster and an Onix…
9/11, WW2 Anniversaries, 4th of July, and Christmas
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl‘s leaks uncovered a different side of maturity within the games. By recognizing the traditions of holidays, Game Freak connected the Pokémon world to the real world. On days like the 4th of July and St. Patrick’s Day Pokémon received boosted odds to appear. Likewise, spawn rates were boosted on several other important dates. These include Italy’s Liberation Day and Japan’s National Foundation Day.
Other holidays experienced drops in Pokémon spawns. That said, a few seemed odd at first glance. Christmas and New Year’s Eve saw a 5% decrease for Pokémon. This decision was possibly implemented to push players towards spending time with friends and family on those select dates.
Apart from celebrated days fueled by families and fun, Game Freak recognized some somber dates. Two dates in early August and one in early September generated a 10% decrease in spawn rates. These dates are August 6 and 9, and September 11. For US residents September 11 is rather obvious. Regarding the August dates, those are the anniversaries of the WWII bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The Human Side of Pokémon
All three dates remind those fortunate to still be here that life is precious. We remember those we lost on those tragic days and look to prevent future similar events. Diamond and Pearl’s 10% drop in spawns could mean a few things. Likely, the lessened number of Pokémon is to represent those we’ve lost. There could be ties to the ways Japanese and US residents conduct their business on these anniversaries as well.
Either way, recognized these dates, as well as the more fun ones, was an awesome feature that didn’t have to exist. More secrets about the games’ coding are likely to be revealed over time. And, if we’re lucky, maybe some more connections to planned Diamond and Pearl remakes will surface.