As you may have noticed, Pokémon GO now has a new loading screen – just in time to launch 2021 in style. We do not write regularly about loading screens, but this is a special occasion given how bad 2020 was. In fact, the backstory of this drawer screen is quite ingenious and different from anything we’ve had before.
A story of hope
Most Pokémon GO loading screens are thematic artworks that highlight specific events, periods, or features just introduced in the game. Think of Halloween, or Winter Holidays, or Mega Raids.
However, this is about the new loading screen hope. Jason Marino, the artist behind the loading screen, shared the entire back story on Twitter:
1) This new year @PokemonGoApp I had to do the loading screen … Let me explain.# NewYear2021 #HAPPY NEW YEAR # Hallo2021 # Welkom2021 #pokemongo #art pic.twitter.com/QVZjRg5wjq
– Jason Marino (@JasonMarinoArt) 1 January 2021
Jason’s breakdown is divided into a series of tweets that we share below:
1) This new year @ PokemonGoApp loading screen was something I HAD to do … Let me explain. # NuweJaar2021 #HAPPYNEWYEAR # Hallo2021 # Welkom2021 #pokemongo #kuns
2) Painting a loading screen is not about a pretty image or an excuse to embrace my inner nerd. Instead, it is an outlet to have one load moment with you. A moment to bring something positive and hopefully memorable. For this year, it was a moment to bring HOPE.
3) From the rising Phoenix to the storms that pass. The light at the end of the tunnel and the beginning of a new journey (total Pokémon Ep1). 2020 was a year we would like to forget. It has a lot of “OMG!” moments and took us to some very low places.
4) As a person who has been through a lot, I can say with confidence, with positive energy, a little gravel and a bucket full of hope, there is no dark place / obstacle that we can not overcome!
5) I’m hopeful, there’s going to be light at the end of this storm and hopefully this charging screen will remind you of that too. Keep your heads up and happy new year to everyone around the world!
We take
2020 was a difficult year for everyone. It goes without saying that it will be remembered for years to come. We’m glad Pokémon GO recognizes this, but we’m more pleased that Niantic’s artists have enough creative freedom and agency to produce pieces like this.
Jason, we salute you for a wonderful wallpaper – it really hits the best. Stay strong and stay safe dear reader.