With the latest update giving us the new forms for Castform and Deoxys, we are one step closer to the release of Generation 3! Gen 3 is no longer an if, but a when. But how close are we to it's release? Generation 3 is incomplete at the moment, but it is very close to finalization. So what exactly is holding us up?
BATTLE CRIES: As far as necessary additions needed in the APK, we only need the sound files for the new species. However much we may want Abilities, the cries of the Pokémon are the only things Niantic needs to add to the code. The Pokémon Company has already made these for the main-series games, so it's really a matter of transferring them to Pokémon GO at this point.
3D MODELS AND SPRITES: This addition is something we cannot track with new updates. Ever since the Generation 2 species were added to the code sprites and models are stored server-side. This saves space on the client-side for other updates. Although the sprites are something Niantic must make themselves, the 3D models are the same ones used in the main-series games. The only thing Niantic will need to do is re-skin them for a more Pokémon GO-friendly art style.
MOVESET DATA: The GAME_MASTER file still needs to be updated with the movesets for all of the new species. The new Pokémon could use all pre-existing moves, but they could use new moves. Should any moves be added, they'll need their data added to the game's code. As we said in an earlier article, many of the 802 Pokémon have signature moves that only they can learn. It would be great if some of these were introduced with Generation 3.
NEW ITEMS: New items could very realistically be added with Generation 3 like they were with Generation 2. We could finally see the Bluk Berry and the Wepar Berry get a usage instead of just sitting in the code. Generation 3 will also introduce some new Evolution Items that need to get added. Neither of those things are complicated, as Niantic has done them before.
This may sound like a lot, but it really isn't. Niantic could easily add this in any future update, but it's up to them to decide when. Generation 3 is definitely right around the corner, so be ready, Trainers! Stay tuned all this week for guides and speculation about Generation 3 in Pokémon GO!
BATTLE CRIES: As far as necessary additions needed in the APK, we only need the sound files for the new species. However much we may want Abilities, the cries of the Pokémon are the only things Niantic needs to add to the code. The Pokémon Company has already made these for the main-series games, so it's really a matter of transferring them to Pokémon GO at this point.
3D MODELS AND SPRITES: This addition is something we cannot track with new updates. Ever since the Generation 2 species were added to the code sprites and models are stored server-side. This saves space on the client-side for other updates. Although the sprites are something Niantic must make themselves, the 3D models are the same ones used in the main-series games. The only thing Niantic will need to do is re-skin them for a more Pokémon GO-friendly art style.
MOVESET DATA: The GAME_MASTER file still needs to be updated with the movesets for all of the new species. The new Pokémon could use all pre-existing moves, but they could use new moves. Should any moves be added, they'll need their data added to the game's code. As we said in an earlier article, many of the 802 Pokémon have signature moves that only they can learn. It would be great if some of these were introduced with Generation 3.
NEW ITEMS: New items could very realistically be added with Generation 3 like they were with Generation 2. We could finally see the Bluk Berry and the Wepar Berry get a usage instead of just sitting in the code. Generation 3 will also introduce some new Evolution Items that need to get added. Neither of those things are complicated, as Niantic has done them before.
This may sound like a lot, but it really isn't. Niantic could easily add this in any future update, but it's up to them to decide when. Generation 3 is definitely right around the corner, so be ready, Trainers! Stay tuned all this week for guides and speculation about Generation 3 in Pokémon GO!