Previously, when fighting other players in Pokémon games, you had 60 minutes to end the duel. But in Pokémon sword and signA standard six-on-six match provides a scant 20-minute timer for the entire process – and according to hardcore fans, that’s nowhere near enough time.
This is probably why it is a competitive Pokémon player and content creator pokeaimMD ‘s recent campaign #BringBackTimer made progress in the community following a recent YouTube upload explaining the severity of the problem. As it stands, 20 minutes is often not enough to end a fight. So it is possible to lose a fight without all of your monsters being wiped out. Alternatively, it is possible to win a battle without taking out all of your opponent’s Pokémon. This limitation, argues pokeaimMD, leads to fighting Pokémon sword and shield feel less fulfilling
“The biggest thing about the timer is how you feel after playing a game, right?” he says during the video. “If I fight my boyfriend and the game ends at 6-5 and they say I’ve won, that’s not a satisfaction, is it? It’s not complete, the game is not complete, it’s not over yet. However, the timer dictates that the game is over and I won, but I don’t feel that way, do I? And that’s why we really need this change to the timer. It really is a simple change. “
In his opinion, it would be better if the fights lasted a full 60 minutes, not including animations, than the shortened timeframe currently assigned. Without them, he fears, the game’s competitive singles scene, played over WiFi, might not have longevity if the frustrated community moves away from it. Polygon has reached out to both The Pokémon Company and Game Freak on this matter.
The video is particularly noteworthy as it features a variety of Pokémon developers who support the pokeaimMD stance, such as the shiny hunter aDrive and CybertonProductions. These personalities all shared how Pokémon sword and shieldThe timer restricted their enjoyment. For example, if you feel rushed, you may not be able to use the best tactic available.
“Why don’t you give us the opportunity to adapt the rules to our liking?” Pokémon Content Creator Shofu says during the footage. “This way we can enjoy the game in so many different ways. I should be able to set the rules on anything I like, and as long as my opponent agrees, we should be able to have all the fun in the world. ”
Shofu goes on to say that new mechanics like dynamaxing have elaborate animations that consume the timer.
What’s worse, current restrictions are causing players to use off-platform solutions like the competitive simulator Pokémon Showdown. But with one simple change, Game Freak can bring more people back into the group – and keep them there.
No wonder, then, that social media largely coincides with pokeaimMD’s concerns.
Sw / Sh was a divisive game but it really killed singles and forced them to play at showdown or move on to other games. I’m a VGC gamer but I started fighting battles as a streamer. It’s sad that the Twitch fighting community has completely stalled with this game. #BringBackTimer
(Bonus)– PrValkyrie (@PrValkyrie) November 25, 2020
#BringBackTimer
Yeah, okay, Nintendo Cmon, that’s not good. I’ve loved singles during Gen 5 for years so that’s silly. Please bring it back?– Pikachau (@waddleede) November 25, 2020
Last summer I was invited to join my first draft league. This is the greatest fun I’ve ever had with Pokemon in the 20 years I’ve played. Unfortunately, so many battles are decided by the lack of alternate timers. That 20 minute time doesn’t cut it. #BringBackTimer
– Angel Sanchez (@ thesixofh3arts) 22nd November 2020
#BringBackTimer The 20 minute timer in online combat is one of the most detrimental problems of #PokemonSwordShield There’s still time for Gamefreak, TPCi, or anyone in charge of it to show that they care at least a little about what the Pokemon community wants. Please fix it.
– Dingosig (@dingosig) 22nd November 2020
I LOVE watching 6v6 WiFi battles. That made me competitive Pokémon in Generation 6, and that’s why I’m still a competitive gamer today. Unfortunately, this is not possible in Sword and Shield due to the limited timer. It’s an easy solution for the game freak! #BringBackTimer
– Joey Ayala (@GalaxyVGC) 22nd November 2020