Is the Porygon Incident Real? Unraveling the Truth Behind the Pokémon Shock
Yes, the Porygon incident is undeniably real. It was a significant event in the history of the Pokémon franchise, resulting in a widespread health scare in Japan and a lasting impact on the anime. The episode “Electric Soldier Porygon” caused seizures in hundreds of Japanese children due to flashing lights, leading to its immediate ban and a period of reflection for the animation industry. While Porygon itself was not the cause of the incident, it became inextricably linked to it, impacting its presence in the anime ever since. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential health risks associated with visual media and the importance of responsible content creation.
The Infamous Episode: Electric Soldier Porygon
On December 16, 1997, the Pokémon anime aired episode 38, “Electric Soldier Porygon,” in Japan. Intended as a lighthearted adventure involving the digital world, the episode inadvertently triggered a mass photosensitive epileptic seizure event. The problematic sequence involved Pikachu using Thunderbolt to intercept vaccine missiles. The resulting explosions contained rapidly flashing red and blue lights at a frequency that induced seizures in a significant number of viewers, particularly children.
The aftermath was immediate and severe. Over 600 children were hospitalized across Japan, prompting widespread panic and media attention. The incident, dubbed “Pokémon Shock” (ポケモンショック, Pokemon Shokku) in Japan, led to an immediate ban of the episode, a temporary hiatus of the anime, and a thorough review of animation guidelines. The Pokémon Company took responsibility and implemented stricter standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Blame Game: Why Porygon Became the Scapegoat
While the flashing lights were the direct cause of the seizures, the episode’s title and Porygon’s presence contributed to its association with the incident. Porygon, being a relatively new Pokémon at the time, became the unintended scapegoat. Despite not being responsible for the problematic visual effects, Porygon’s association with the banned episode led to its virtual exile from the anime.
Porygon, Porygon2, and Porygon-Z have been largely absent from the Pokémon anime since the incident. The Pokémon Company made a conscious decision to avoid featuring the Pokémon to prevent triggering any negative associations with the “Pokémon Shock.” This decision has had a lasting impact on the Pokémon’s popularity and recognition within the anime universe. The Porygon incident highlights the potential for unintended consequences in media and the importance of responsible content creation.
Beyond the Incident: A Lasting Impact
The Porygon incident had a profound impact on the animation industry. It led to the implementation of stricter guidelines regarding flashing lights and visual effects in animated content. Broadcasters and animation studios became more aware of the potential risks associated with rapidly flashing images and took steps to mitigate those risks.
The incident also sparked discussions about photosensitive epilepsy and its triggers. Public awareness of the condition increased, and efforts were made to educate viewers about the potential risks associated with flashing lights in media.
The Porygon incident remains a significant event in the history of the Pokémon franchise and the animation industry as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible content creation and the potential impact of visual media on viewers’ health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly happened in the Porygon episode?
The “Electric Soldier Porygon” episode featured a scene where Pikachu used Thunderbolt to intercept vaccine missiles. The explosions resulting from this sequence contained rapidly flashing red and blue lights at a high frequency. These flashes triggered photosensitive epileptic seizures in a significant number of viewers, particularly children, leading to the “Pokémon Shock.”
2. Was Porygon responsible for the seizures?
No, Porygon was not directly responsible for the seizures. The culprit was the rapidly flashing lights used in the animation of the explosions. While Porygon appeared in the episode, it played a relatively minor role in the plot and was not involved in creating the problematic visual effects.
3. Why was the episode banned?
The episode was banned due to the mass hospitalizations it caused. The flashing lights triggered seizures in hundreds of children across Japan, prompting immediate action from broadcasters and The Pokémon Company. The episode was removed from circulation and has never been re-aired.
4. How many children were affected by the Porygon incident?
Over 600 children were hospitalized across Japan due to the seizures caused by the flashing lights in the “Electric Soldier Porygon” episode. The incident led to widespread panic and media attention, prompting a thorough review of animation guidelines.
5. What is photosensitive epilepsy?
Photosensitive epilepsy is a form of epilepsy where seizures are triggered by visual stimuli, such as flashing lights, patterns, or certain colors. The rapidly changing visual information overstimulates the brain, leading to a seizure.
6. Has the Porygon incident affected the Pokémon anime since then?
Yes, the Porygon incident has had a lasting impact on the Pokémon anime. Porygon, Porygon2, and Porygon-Z have been virtually absent from the anime since the incident. The Pokémon Company has avoided featuring the Pokémon to prevent triggering any negative associations with the “Pokémon Shock.”
7. What measures were taken after the Porygon incident to prevent similar occurrences?
After the Porygon incident, animation studios and broadcasters implemented stricter guidelines regarding flashing lights and visual effects in animated content. These guidelines included limiting the frequency and intensity of flashing lights, as well as avoiding certain color combinations that are known to trigger seizures.
8. Is Porygon a rare Pokémon?
Porygon is considered relatively uncommon in most Pokémon games. It is often found in specific locations or requires special methods to obtain, such as trading or using specific items. However, it is not a legendary or mythical Pokémon.
9. Are there other banned Pokémon episodes?
Yes, there are other banned Pokémon episodes, although none have had as significant an impact as the Porygon incident. Some episodes have been banned due to content deemed inappropriate or culturally insensitive. “The Legend of Miniryu” (Episode 35) was banned in many countries due to the frequent use of firearms. Several episodes featuring Jynx were banned due to her design resembling racial stereotypes.
10. Why is Jynx a controversial Pokémon?
Jynx’s original design was controversial due to its resemblance to racial stereotypes. Her dark skin, large lips, and exaggerated features were criticized as being reminiscent of blackface. As a result, Jynx’s design was later altered to a purple color.
11. What is the Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society is an organization dedicated to the study and advancement of learning through games. They conduct research, host conferences, and promote the use of games in education and other fields. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
12. How can I fight Porygon in Pokémon GO?
The best Pokémon GO Porygon counters are Shadow Regigigas, Shadow Machamp, Terrakion, Mega Alakazam, Pheromosa & Lucario. These Pokémon have fighting-type moves which are super effective against Porygon, a normal-type Pokémon.
13. Is Porygon a legendary Pokémon?
No, Porygon is not a legendary Pokémon. It is a normal-type Pokémon that first appeared in Pokémon Red and Blue versions. Legendary Pokémon are typically rare, powerful, and associated with myths and legends within the Pokémon world.
14. Does shiny Porygon exist?
Yes, shiny Porygon does exist and was released as part of a Community Day event. Shiny Porygon is pink and blue. You will still need an Upgrade and Sinnoh Stone to evolve it.
15. Why does Porygon-Z resemble a duck?
Porygon-Z is described as a virtual Pokémon, and as such, it takes on a somewhat synthetic appearance. Its design does incorporate elements reminiscent of ducks, such as its blue bill and wing-like limbs. It is unknown exactly why the designers chose this design.