In a recent interview with GameMag, the head of Nintendo of Russia, Yasha Haddaji, addressed several topics, including the lack of Pokémon in Russia. Read on below to learn more:
“Yasha Haddaji has promised that local Level Up Days will be held in 17 cities across the country. Visitors will be able to participate or watch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 2 and other games’ tournaments where they can win new games for Nintendo Switch. There will also be demo Switch units. And here are games that will be available only in English and other languages:
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order;
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses;
- Pokemon Sword и Pokemon Shield;
- Luigi’s Mansion 3.”
The lack of Pokemon activity
“The Pokemon TV Series and movies are constantly on air on Russian TV Channel 2×2. Yasha has revealed that Nintendo of Russia invested tons of money in Pokemon tournaments, advertisement, TV promo, and other stuff to promote the series in Russia and get a localization in the upcoming game. Despite that and a huge install base, Pokemon Company has refused to translate Pokemon Sword & Shield. Because of that, Nintendo of Russia has repurposed its funding for other promising projects.
“The shocking truth is that Nintendo of Russia negotiated with Pokemon Company about the localization for six years and they still refused. Instead, the Chinese language was added to the game. Before all of this, Pokemon GO official launch in Russia happened 2 years after the game’s worldwide release.”
Source: C-C-Combo Breaker
Pokémon Blog 