Vol. 2, Issue 15 - Dazz's Pokémon Memories
We speak to Dazz, a Pokémon fan from The Spriters Resource and Did You Know Gaming, who shares his memories of Pokémon during his childhood. We also have the latest Pokémon news!
Welcome to this week’s Johto Times! For Vol. 2, issue 15, I am happy to share some very special Pokémon memories from a fan called Dazz who has run the popular website The Spriters Resource, dedicated to the collection and archival of materials from video games, since 2006. He also plays a key role at Did You Know Gaming, a popular video game-focused blog and web series, which covers trivia, facts, and investigations into gaming's lost secrets. We also have the latest Pokémon news and information from the world of Pokémon!
News
The 2024 Europe International Championships took place on Sunday, April 7th, 2024, crowning winners in Pokémon GO, the Pokémon TCG, and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Massive congratulations to everyone who won a title, and acknowledgement to all participants involved!
Additionally, the date for the 2024 Pokémon World Championships has also been revealed, taking place on August 16th - 18th, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawai'i.
For anyone who missed the European Championships, you can watch the stream in the source link below.
Source: The Official Pokémon YouTube Channel
Niantic has teased the introduction of Necrozma in Pokémon GO, which will debut at Pokémon GO Fest 2024. The announcement on social media was timed to coincide with the North American total solar eclipse, which took place on April 8th, 2024. The company has also teased with a short trailer that Bellsprout will be the next Pokémon GO Community Day, which will take place on April 20th, 2024.
Source: Pokémon GO, Pokémon GO
Feature: Dazz's Pokémon Memories
Each Pokémon fan has their own unique memories and stories to share about how they first got into the series. or this week's feature, we are sharing the thoughts of Dazz, a Pokémon fan who started playing the games from the very beginning when they first arrived in the United Kingdom.
Dazz is known online for his work at The Spriters Resource, which he took over in March, 2006. He is also a valued contributor to the popular YouTube channel and website Did You Know Gaming, for which he writes, edits, voices, and administrates content.
Greetings, everyone! It's a pleasure to introduce myself – I'm Dazz, recognized for my long standing contributions to The Spriters Resource, where I've dedicated over 20 years to curating and archiving video game sprites for enthusiasts and creators alike. Additionally, for the past 11 years, I've been one of the driving forces behind DidYouKnowGaming.
Born in 1991, my journey with video games began at a remarkably young age. Growing up in a tech-savvy household, I was immersed in the world of gaming from the outset. However, it was the advent of Pokémon in the UK that truly ignited my passion. The combination of RPG mechanics, adorable creatures, and an accompanying anime series resonated deeply with me. Thanks to my family's affinity for classic Manga films, I was already well-versed in anime culture, which further fuelled my fascination with Pokémon.
From the moment I got my hands on the original Pokémon Red and Blue, I was captivated. Even before its official release in the UK, I delved into fan translations, eagerly exploring every facet of the game. By the time it reached my peers, I was already an authority on all things Pokémon, thanks to countless playthroughs and an insatiable appetite for knowledge.
My expertise quickly earned me a reputation as the go-to person for all things Pokémon-related, fostering connections and friendships during a time when I felt particularly isolated. Transitioning to a new school without knowing anyone was daunting, but my passion for Pokémon served as a bridge, allowing me to form meaningful relationships with my classmates.
This early experience of being respected for my knowledge laid the foundation for my future endeavours. Driven by a desire to share my passion and expertise with others, I began compiling pixel art and delving into the intricate lore of retro games. While my interests may have evolved over the years, my journey with Pokémon remains a pivotal chapter in my life. Reflecting on my journey, I'm humbled by the impact I've had on others. As a pseudo-educator within the gaming community, I've had the privilege of inspiring individuals to pursue their passions, whether it's through pixel art or game development. Despite struggling with self-esteem and doubts in the past, I'm grateful for the positive feedback and stories of how my work has influenced others.
It's easy to dismiss the significance of something as seemingly trivial as a video game, but for me, Pokémon was more than just a game – it was a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. As I continue to witness the enduring legacy of Pokémon and the communities it has fostered, I'm reminded of the journey that brought me to where I am today. I am reminded of how my journey through life was intrinsically linked to Pokémon and the world that the team developed, and how I could never have asked for anything more.
Thank you for allowing me to share a glimpse of my story, and as you can see in the attached photos, that young dweeb who simply loved collecting Pokémon never could have imagined the impact his passion would have on others.
A huge thanks to Dazz for sharing some of his earliest Pokémon memories. Hearing his story about what Pokémon meant to him was very special, and we hope that the Pokémon series will continue to be a positive aspect of his life.
Mailbag
Want to be a part of our newsletter? You’re welcome to submit content including (but not limited to) questions, fan-created art, short stories, cherished memories, photographs from your collection, and anything else you think we would like to see. We are currently seeking more of your contributions. Stay tuned to the Johto Times for more mailbag content in future issues!