Pokémon Unite, stylized as Pokémon UNITE, is a captivating free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game developed by TiMi Studio Group and published by The Pokémon Company for Android and iOS platforms. Nintendo is responsible for its release on the Nintendo Switch. The game was unveiled during a Pokémon Presents presentation on 24th June 2020.
Subsequently, Pokémon Unite was launched for the Nintendo Switch on 21st July 2021, and on 22nd September 2021, it became available for Android and iOS in 73 countries. The game has garnered immense popularity, amassing over 80 million downloads across all platforms as of August 2022. With its engaging gameplay and the allure of playing alongside beloved Pokémon, Pokémon Unite has become a massive hit among fans and players worldwide.
Gameplay
In Pokémon Unite, players engage in thrilling multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) matches where two teams, each consisting of 5 players, compete against each other. The objective is to score points by defeating wild Pokémon and enemy players, and depositing their collected points into the opposing team’s goal zones.
The standard matches have a time limit of 10 minutes, and the team with the highest total score at the end of the match emerges victorious. In case of a tie, the team that reached the final score first (previously leading in points) takes the win. Additionally, a team can secure victory if the opposing team decides to surrender, but this can only happen once the match reaches the halfway mark, and a supermajority of one team votes in favor of surrendering.
Apart from the standard matches, Pokémon Unite offers limited-time events with special rules that add exciting twists to the gameplay. There is also a Quick Battle mode, featuring 5-minute matches on smaller maps with 3-4 players per team, along with some rule changes to further diversify the gaming experience. Whether players prefer the strategic intensity of standard matches or the quick-paced action of Quick Battles, Pokémon Unite offers a dynamic and immersive gaming experience for all Pokémon enthusiasts.
In Pokémon Unite, every player starts a match controlling a relatively weak Pokémon. Throughout the course of the match, their Pokémon can grow stronger and gain access to new moves by engaging in various actions, such as capturing wild Pokémon, assisting in the defeat of wild Pokémon captured by teammates, and knocking out enemy player Pokémon.
Unlike other Pokémon games, Pokémon Unite does not feature the traditional “type” system, which determines the effectiveness of one Pokémon against another in a rock-paper-scissors fashion. Instead, the game introduces a new mechanic called “Unite Moves.” These moves are akin to Ultimate moves in other MOBAs and are unique to each Pokémon. Players can unlock these powerful moves at specific levels based on the Pokémon they are using.
Throughout development and beta testing, over 20 playable Pokémon were officially revealed or discovered in the game as of April 2021. However, as the game continues to expand and evolve, the current roster boasts over 50 playable Pokémon, offering players an extensive selection of beloved characters from the Pokémon universe to choose from. With a diverse array of gameplay mechanics and a wide variety of Pokémon to master, Pokémon Unite provides a thrilling and engaging experience for players of all skill levels and preferences.
One noteworthy distinction that sets Pokémon Unite apart from other MOBAs is the absence of an in-game scoreboard. This deliberate design choice aims to discourage players from becoming frustrated or disheartened when they find themselves trailing in score during a match. Instead of constantly displaying the score, the game opts for periodic announcements that imply the current state of the match. For instance, players may hear statements like “We’re in the lead!” or “We’re struggling to keep up!” which provide general updates on the overall score without delving into specific numbers.
By not prominently displaying the scores, Pokémon Unite seeks to create a more positive and immersive gaming experience. This approach encourages players to focus on the gameplay, teamwork, and strategizing, rather than fixating on the score alone. Ultimately, this decision contributes to a more enjoyable and sportsmanship-oriented environment, where players are motivated to persevere and work together, even when faced with challenging situations.
Development
The development of Pokémon Unite, led by Chinese video game developer TiMi, commenced with a closed beta test in January 2021, exclusively available to selected players in China.
Subsequently, in February 2021, The Pokémon Company announced another closed beta test for Canadian Android smartphone users, which was scheduled for March 2021.
However, the reveal of Pokémon Unite generated controversy, with discussions surrounding the game’s potential impact on opening up a new competitive gaming scene for a fresh audience. The announcement video on The Pokémon Company’s YouTube channel received an overwhelmingly negative response, making it the most disliked video on the channel.
Despite the initial mixed reactions, the game officially launched on the Nintendo Switch on 21st July 2021. Shortly after, on 22nd September 2021, the mobile versions for iOS and Android were also released.
Post-release, TiMi continues to actively develop the game, offering new content such as downloadable content with additional playable Pokémon. The first batch of new playable Pokémon became available to players on 28th July 2021, expanding the roster and enhancing the overall gaming experience
Esports
In January 2022, it was officially confirmed by producer Masaaki Hoshino that the game would be part of the Pokémon World Championships taking place in August, joining the main series games (known as VGC), the TCG, Pokémon Go, and Pokkén Tournament’s last Championship Series season. In a statement on the game’s official website, he also stated that a tournament mode is in development, wherein the playing field would be evened for all competitors, regardless of the grade of their items.[20] The tournament mode was eventually released on 20 January 2022. In the same month, the game was used as part of the AKB48 Group Invitational tournament, which in turn formed part of the Pokémon Battle Festival Asia online event, hosted by ESL Asia. MNL48’s Team Padayon won the event after they defeated BNK48’s Yummy Remote 3-1 in the Grand Finals.[21] For the first season of the Pokémon Unite Championship Series, there were 11 supported Regional Zones: North America, Mexico, Central America, South America-West, South America-East, Japan, South Korea, Europe, Oceania, India, and the Asia-Pacific regions. Players must be 16 or 18 to register, depending on their Regional Zone. In each month, in the lead up to the World Championships, a series of tournaments in each Regional Zone will be held. Like other games held in the World Championships, teams will be awarded championship points (CP), and the CP can be kept by players to allow team changes as the season progresses. The top 8 teams in CP from each Regional Zone before June qualify for a spot in the Regional Championships. The Regional Championships begin with a round-robin tournament, with teams split into four groups, before switching to a double-elimination tournament for the finals. The top performing teams in the finals qualify for the World Championships.[22] American team BLVKHVND won the first Unite Championship Series title in August 2022 in London.
Awards
Pokémon Unite received well-deserved recognition and acclaim for its excellence in the gaming world. The game achieved the prestigious title of “Best Game” in Google Play’s Best of 2021 awards, highlighting its popularity and impact among mobile players.
Furthermore, Pokémon Unite garnered further acknowledgment by being nominated for “Best Mobile Game” at the 2021 Game Awards, a highly esteemed event that celebrates the finest achievements in the gaming industry.
The accolades continued to pour in as Pokémon Unite secured the title of “Mobile Game of the Year” at the 25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, solidifying its position as one of the top mobile games in the industry.
These awards and nominations stand as a testament to the game’s exceptional gameplay, innovation, and its ability to captivate players across various platforms, making Pokémon Unite a standout title among mobile games.