Why is #GameFreakLied trending on Twitter? People are upset about supposed issues in Pokémon Sword and Shield

By Samuel Tolbert
published

Pikachu Dynamax in Pokemon Sword and Shield
Pikachu Dynamax in Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: Game Freak)

What you need to know

  • Pokémon Sword and Shield are set to release on November 15.
  • A very vocal group of fans on Twitter have begun using the hashtag #GameFreakLied over perceived pre-release issues with the games.
  • These issues include the number of Pokémon cut from the game, accusations of reused assets and more.
  • You can preorder Pokémon Sword and Shield for $60 from Amazon.

If you browse Twitter, you might notice that #GameFreakLied is trending. This started as the result of some vocal members of the Pokémon fanbase deciding to call out issues and problems. Among these issues are the amount of Pokémon cut, as the National Pokédex is not used in Pokémon Sword and Shield, meaning many of the Pokémon accumulated throughout the years of the franchise are not present.

Additionally, Game Freak originally stated that the Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield would be using new models. Information from self-professed dataminers indicates that new models were not used for the Pokémon in these games, as you can see in this post from Reddit. It's important to note that we don't have any verification that this is true. Fans are also upset over reportedly low-quality animations and environments in the games.

While some fans may be disappointed or confused over what has happened, we would like remind you that while feedback can be useful for developers, refrain from harassment or hateful comments. Pokémon Sword and Shield are set to release on November 15 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. You can check out the final trailer for the games right here.

Pokémon Sword and Shield: Release date, trailers, & announcements

Take up your Sword
Pokémon Sword

Welcome to the Galar region

Pokémon Sword is the first half of the Pokémon games releasing this fall. With new Pokémon to tame and a legendary Pokémon exclusive to this version, there'll be plenty of Trainers to explore and do.

Or take up your Shield
Pokémon Shield

Welcome to the Galar region

Pokémon Shield is the second half of the Pokémon games that will be releasing this fall. With new Pokémon to tame and a legendary Pokémon exclusive to this version, there'll be plenty of Trainers to explore and do.

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Samuel Tolbert
Samuel Tolbert
Contributor

Samuel Tolbert is a freelance gaming writer who started working for iMore and its sister sites Windows Central and Android Central in July 2019. He handles news, previews, reviews, and exclusive original reporting, and has also been featured on TechRadar.

With a background studying engineering before he shifted his focus to gaming journalism, he's skilled at identifying technical advantages and disadvantages provided by different hardware. If he’s not writing something, he’s off playing video games, spending time with his pets, exercising, or reading. He's also fond of trying to draw things with his iPad.