Pokémon fans are always asking Game Freak and The Pokémon Company to add or flesh out certain features that will make the games more accessible and fun for players looking for a specific experience from the franchise. Competitive battling is one area that players feel has been neglected, and seeing a game like Temtem release the perfect version of what they want is like a good-natured slap in the face.
Temtem is an indie-developed MMORPG inspired by Pokémon that became an internet sensation when it was initially announced with a Kickstarter campaign in 2018. It blew past its initial goals, raising a total of $573,939, and continued to draw attention when it was released through Steam Early Access in January 2020.