Rumours of the next generation of Pokemon being released has intensified after The Pokemon Company said that there is a special announcement coming on 12 December. Rumours of more Pokemon being released began shortly after a leaked promotion from Starbucks circulated around the internet.
It’s unclear as to what Niantic will be announcing for Pokemon Go, although that hasn’t stopped the folks at The Silph Road from trying to find out. Data miners have discovered sound files for the next generation of Pokemon in the latest update, which indicates that Niantic is at least preparing for something.
Other discoveries hidden away include the introduction of genders for Pokemon and code to enable shiny variants. Both of these are features that have long been in the Pokemon games, although we’re not sure if genders will mean that Pokemon breeding will be introduced. What we do know is that shiny variants will give collectors something else to hunt for.
Avatar customisation is also being expanded, with data files showing variations for hair, shirt, pants, hat, shoes, eyes, and backpacks. This expansion may include additional in-app purchases; so be prepared to start paying for virtual clothes.
One more new thing that was discovered was Pokemon costumes. Niantic is apparently working on a feature that will allow Pokemon to dress up. There’s nothing else discovered in this code, but there was a reference to ‘holiday’ costumes.
It’s difficult to say what this all means for the 12 December announcement, but it looks like there are some big changes coming for Pokemon Go.
[Source: The Silph Road]
