Is Pokémon Uranium Still Being Worked On? The Truth Unveiled
No, Pokémon Uranium is no longer being actively developed or supported by its original creators. Development officially ceased on September 21, 2016, following concerns raised by Nintendo regarding copyright infringement. While the game remains available through unofficial channels, it’s essential to understand its history and current status.
The Rise and Fall of a Fan-Made Phenomenon
Pokémon Uranium was an ambitious project: a fan-made Pokémon game crafted in RPG Maker XP. Its claim to fame? Over 150 new Pokémon inhabiting the brand new Tandor Region, innovative mechanics, and a compelling storyline centered around nuclear radiation. For a brief period, it captivated the Pokémon community, showcasing the power of fan creativity and dedication. However, its popularity became its undoing, attracting the attention of The Pokémon Company International, leading to its ultimate demise.
The Cease and Desist
The Pokémon Company International is notoriously protective of its intellectual property. The game was taken down after they rightfully claimed that the rightful owners of the Pokémon franchise weren’t okay with it being made, and they pushed for it to be taken down. The developers, understanding the legal implications of their work infringing on Pokémon’s copyright, voluntarily took down the download links for the game. They announced they had officially ceased development of the title and shut down the website and servers.
Community Preservation Efforts
Despite the official shutdown, Pokémon Uranium refused to fade into obscurity. Dedicated fans have continued to share the game online, ensuring that it remains accessible to those interested. It’s important to note that downloading and playing Pokémon Uranium carries potential risks, as the game is no longer officially supported and may contain bugs or vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Pokémon Uranium:
1. What is Pokémon Uranium?
Pokémon Uranium is an original Pokémon fangame created using RPG Maker XP. It features a new region called Tandor, over 150 original Pokémon, and a unique storyline. It differs from official Pokemon Games and is a fan-made game.
2. When was Pokémon Uranium taken down?
The developers announced that they had officially ceased development of the title and shut down the website and servers.
3. Why was Pokémon Uranium “banned”?
Pokémon Uranium was not officially “banned” by a government. However, due to copyright concerns raised by The Pokémon Company, the developers voluntarily ceased development and removed download links. This can be referred to as banned since they removed the game from the public.
4. Where can I download Pokémon Uranium?
While not officially available, the game can be found through various unofficial online sources and fan communities. Exercise caution when downloading from unofficial sources to avoid potentially harmful software.
5. Is it legal to play Pokémon Uranium?
Playing Pokémon Uranium, while technically a form of copyright infringement, is generally tolerated. However, distributing the game could lead to legal issues. Consider the ethical implications before engaging with fan-made content that infringes on copyrighted material. GamesLearningSociety.org explores the intersection of games and learning, highlighting both the creative potential and the ethical considerations involved.
6. Does Pokémon Uranium have new Pokémon?
Yes! Pokémon Uranium boasts over 150 original Pokémon, designed and created by fans. The game adds 166 new fan-made species of Pokémon, with only 160 currently available, along with a new region.
7. How does the Nuclear type work in Pokémon Uranium?
Pokémon Uranium introduces a new Nuclear type, which is the central feature of the game. These Pokémon are often the result of exposure to radiation and possess unique strengths and weaknesses. One way to obtain these is to evolve an Eevee into Nucleon.
8. How do you evolve Eevee into Nucleon?
Nucleon is a Nuclear-type Pokémon. It evolves from Eevee starting at level 20 while a Nuclear-type Pokémon is in your party.
9. Can you get Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Uranium?
Yes, Shiny Pokémon can be found in Pokémon Uranium. The chance to find a shiny Pokemon is 4 times higher than in Pokemon X/Y, so the odds are less ‘bad’!~ Good luck and patience.
10. Are there any unobtainable Pokémon in Pokémon Uranium?
Yes, certain Pokémon become unobtainable as you progress through the game’s story. The Chupacho, Corsola, Magikarp, and Tubjaw lines all become unobtainable after Nuclear Plant Omicron. Finally the Tancoon, Owten, Ekans, and Baashaun lines as well as Barand (The only Nuclear Dragon type) become unobtainable after the Hazard Zone.
11. What is the longest Pokémon game to complete?
According to the article, the longest Pokémon game to date is the 2006 release, Diamond and Pearl, for the Nintendo DS. It clocks in at 40.5 hours, with 93 hours required to beat the main game plus extras, and 260 hours to complete. The Switch remakes are shorter, coming in at 26.5 hours.
12. What is the pseudo legendary of Pokémon Uranium?
Pokemon Uranium has around 3 Pseudo Legendary lines to choose from, those being Laissure, Yatagaryu, and Beliaddon.
13. Are Pokémon fan games illegal?
Yes. All forms of fan art are illegal copyright infringement. If the official owners claim it violates copyright laws, the game could be taken down.
14. Does Pokémon Uranium work on Mac?
While Pokémon Uranium is designed for Windows PCs, it can be played on Mac or Linux through the use of Wine. (Wine STAGING is highly recommended as Uranium has issues with the stable branch.)
15. Is Pokémon Uranium a ROM hack?
No, Pokémon Uranium is a standalone game made in RPG Maker XP. It is NOT a ROM hack and can NOT be played on an emulator!
The Legacy of Pokémon Uranium
Despite its relatively short lifespan, Pokémon Uranium left a significant mark on the Pokémon fan community. It demonstrated the potential of fan-made games and highlighted the complexities of copyright law in the digital age. Although no longer in active development, its legacy lives on through the memories of those who played it and the continued sharing of the game within the community.
While Pokémon Uranium itself may be a closed chapter, the spirit of fan creativity and the passion for Pokémon remain as strong as ever, inspiring countless other projects and contributing to the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of fan-made games. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) explore the intersection of game design, learning, and community, offering valuable insights into the positive and negative aspects of game development. The future of game development is always evolving, and the impact of fan-made games like Pokemon Uranium can not be denied.