In Pokémon GO, the disappearance of a character is currently causing a lot of discussion, even though most people have ignored him in recent years. We at MeinMMO will show you who it is and what theories the trainers have about it.
Which character is it about? Among the numerous Pokémon and various avatars, one character plays a particularly important role in Pokémon GO: Professor Willow. He has been accompanying you through the game for almost 8 years and delivers long monologues to present you the special research.
However, now there are question marks in the Reddit community among many trainers, because the usually popular character has simply disappeared without a word. No information on where he went, when he will return, or if he is still our companion.
Instead, just before the end of the current season World Full of Wonders
, a type of AI module is responsible for unlocking new research – of course without any comments. We will show you below what exactly has happened in the game and what theories the trainers have about it.
Professor Willow disappears without a word
Why is Professor Willow gone? Many players must have been surprised on May 14, 2024, when they accessed the new masterwork research in Pokémon GO. Instead of the usual lengthy monologue from the professor about the research to come, only an animation with a new module appeared.
Without any further explanation, the new research opened up and you could get started. There was no sign of the professor anywhere. In the past, Willow’s texts could be quite useful and provide early hints about new content.
The reasons for his absence are currently unknown. Niantic has not commented on his disappearance so far. And his digital successor has not been introduced in detail yet. However, the new research module already caused confusion among some players back in March.
How do the trainers feel about the change? In the Reddit community, opinions about the new research module and the missing professor are mixed. Some find the new feature great, as they usually skipped the texts anyway. For instance, the user atubslife on Reddit writes: A nice update for quality of life. Clicking through useless animations and menus is one of the many frustrating things about this game.
However, even though most players have largely ignored the professor in recent years, he is still an integral part of the game and therefore missed by some trainers. NorthSouthGabi189 explains in the Reddit comments: Am I the only one who is disappointed? I actually like Willow; I feel comfortable with him.
Trainers believe: He has been replaced by an AI chip
Theories of the trainers: The uncertainty about the professor’s whereabouts has led to a lot of discussion and various theories in the Reddit community. While some players believe that skipping the lengthy monologues could be a reason for his disappearance, others think that his absence is only temporary.
However, a takeover by an AI is also conceivable for some. The following more or less serious theories can be read in the Reddit comments:
- The-Aziz believes in a botched makeover of the professor and writes:
They made a new model for him, but they realized that we would all hate it, so they removed him entirely.
- KarmicScorpio suspects that he is just busy right now:
I think it’s because Professor Willow is currently conducting an investigation on “World Full of Wonders” Part 5/5.
- Kokukenji is sure that Willow has been replaced:
Willow’s hourly rate has increased, so he has been replaced by an AI chip.
- RockyDify thinks:
They know that we just click through.
Will Professor Willow return? Whether Professor Willow will return to the game is still uncertain. However, it is generally possible, as other characters in the past, such as Rhi, Mateo, or even Team GO Rocket, have temporarily accompanied the research tasks. Once, he was even kidnapped to another dimension. Nevertheless, Professor Willow has always returned after a short time.
And even in old research that has not yet been fully solved, he still appears in the cutscenes with trainers. Whether he will return, however, remains to be seen. Should there be new information on this, you will find it with us at MeinMMO.
What is your opinion on the professor’s disappearance? Are you glad that there are no more annoying texts? Or will you miss the professor? Feel free to let us know in the comments here on MeinMMO and discuss with other trainers about it. By the way: Pokémon GO brings a new super monster: How powerful Necrozma will be through fusion.
