A plethora of information on Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield was revealed on October 1st. However, the claim that the games will have 18 gyms has been refuted by the developers themselves.

Game Informer originally stated the following quote from Director Shigeru Ohmori:

“There are 18 different types of gyms in this story and depending on which version, which gyms are in the minor league and which gyms are in the major league are different. For example, in Sword the Fighting-Type Gym will be in the major league, but in Shield, the Ghost-Type. The idea is that every year, the Galar Region is playing and which Gyms make it into the minor league versus the Major League changes”

However, a representative of The Pokemon Company has stated this was incorrect and that “the true meaning of the original quote may have been lost in translation between Japanese and English.” Game Informer posted the quote in full:

“From an actual gameplay and experience perspective, there will be certain gym leaders that will be different depending on which version you’ve played. In terms of the setting itself, the background to the story is there’s like this Japanese-style J-1 and J-2, like minor league and major league kind of concept. There are 18 different types of gyms in the story, and depending on the version, which gyms are in the minor league and which gyms are in the major league are different. For example, in Sword, the fighting-type gym will be in the major league, but in Shield, the ghost type. The idea is that every year, the Galar region is playing and which gyms make it into the minor league versus the major league changes. Of course, as always, there’s a difference in the kinds of Pokémon you can encounter.”

The Pokemon Company also issued this statement on the matter:

“In the Galar region, Pokémon Gym Battles are popular sporting events, and the 18 different types of Gyms that exist in Galar contribute to the background setting of the story in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. In each game, Trainers must collect eight Gym Badges to complete the Gym Challenge and earn the opportunity to participate in the Champion Cup. Over the course of the main story, Trainers will challenge eight Gyms, which are all in the Major League. Which Gyms appear in the Major League and Minor League will differ between Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. For example, depending on the version of the game, Trainers will be able to challenge different Gym Leaders, such as Bea or Allister. Each version will have eight Gyms and eight Gym Leaders that Trainers can battle for a traditional Gym Challenge experience that fans have enjoyed throughout the Pokémon video game series.”

While the role of the minor league has been downplayed, we have wonder what role- if any- they will play in the game.

What do you think of the new info? Sound off in the comments below!

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield are both launching on November 15th, for Nintendo Switch.

In case you missed it, you can find our thorough hands-on preview for Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield from this year’s E3 here.