Latest news with #Charmander
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Steam data leak row: Rumors about 89 million affected false, officials address panic
Recent claims about 89 million Steam user records being sold on the dark web are likely false, experts say. Social media posts sparked panic this week, alleging Steam login details were available for $5,000. However, investigations suggest no actual breach occurred. The rumors began when a LinkedIn post by shared by games journalist MellowOnline1 on X (formerly Twitter), claimed a hacker named 'Machine1337' was selling the data. The leak supposedly included SMS codes and phone numbers tied to Steam accounts. MellowOnline1 speculated the breach came from Twilio, a company providing two-factor authentication (2FA) services for apps like Steam. ALSO READ | What is American Bitcoin, the latest addition to Trump's expanding crypto empire? Twilio denied involvement, telling Bleeping Computer no breach occurred. Valve, Steam's parent company, also clarified it doesn't use Twilio for authentication. Researchers couldn't verify the hacker's claims or the data's source, raising doubts about its legitimacy. While the threat appears exaggerated, users should still secure their accounts. Enable Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, Valve's official 2FA tool, which adds extra login protection. Change your password regularly—found under 'Settings' or 'Preferences'—and avoid reusing passwords elsewhere. Stay alert for phishing attempts. Scammers often exploit fear around leaks by sending fake 'Steam Support' messages. Never share login codes or personal info via email or links. Valve hasn't issued an official breach alert, reinforcing the likelihood this is a false alarm. However, cybersecurity experts stress proactive measures are always wise. If you've reused your Steam password on other sites, update those immediately. ALSO READ | Is Charmander getting a new evolution? Pokémon fans divided as Gen 10 buzz builds Short, simple steps can prevent most hacking attempts. Check your account's login history for suspicious activity and revoke access to unknown devices. For now, stay calm—but stay cautious.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Is Charmander getting a new evolution? Pokémon fans divided as Gen 10 buzz builds
A rumored Gen 10 Pokémon game, "Pokémon Gales & Tides", is trending online, according to a post by the Hidden Power Podcast Twitter account. Leaked details include island exploration, a 'Gigaxis' battle gimmick, and starters like a Fire Goat, Water Octopus & Grass Snail. But fans are stuck on one thing: a ground-type Charmander variant. Posted anonymously on 4chan, the leak describes 16 main islands, 150+ smaller ones, and Guardian Pokémon fusions. Yet the spotlight is on Charmander — usually a Fire-type — getting a sandy redesign. Fans groaned. 'Stop making new Charmanders every region,' one tweeted. Another joked, 'Of course they'd give Charizard another form.' ALSO READ | What is Palme d'Or? Honorary Cannes award presented to Robert De Niro Another X user commented, 'Only believing this because a regional variant for the Charizard line sounds exactly in line of what Pokémon would do lmao' According to Gaming Bible, most agree the leak is likely fake. 4chan rumors rarely pan out. The user even admits: 'This is just random waffling.' Skeptics note Game Freak hasn't hinted at Gen 10 yet. The blog writer on Gaming Bible has even vowed to 'eat a Pikachu plushie' if proven right. The author also said, 'But if I predicted that the moon would explode every day until the end of time, eventually I'd be right. People really do just be saying anything over on 4chan, because it's a completely anonymous messaging board.' Charmander, the fiery starter from 1996's Pokémon Red/Blue, became a global icon. Its evolution into Charizard, a dragon-like fan favorite, boosted its fame. The anime's loyal Charmander episode (where Ash saves one in the rain) deepened its emotional appeal. Over 25 years, Charmander got Mega Evolutions (2013), Gigantamax forms (2019), and plushies galore. Despite its overexposure, it remains a symbol of Pokémon's magic. Yet fans debate: Does it need another remake?
Economic Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Is Pokémon running out of ideas? Ground-type Charmander leak sparks fan backlash in Gen 10 rumour mill
TIL Creatives AI generated image When longtime Pokémon fan Aaron Lucero saw a Ground-type Charmander trending online this weekend, his reaction summed up what much of the fandom was feeling: 'Again? They're doing this again?' Lucero, like thousands of others, stumbled across the latest Generation 10 'leak' making the rounds online. The alleged info drop, which originated from 4chan and gained traction through a repost by the Hidden Power Podcast , outlines ambitious plans for the next mainline game, possibly titled Pokémon Gales & Tides , rumoured for the Nintendo Switch 2. Also read: 'Pokémon Go' maker nears $3.5 billion deal to sell games unitThe leak describes a tropical archipelago setting featuring 16 major islands, 150+ smaller ones, a new battle mechanic called 'Gigaxis,' and three new starter Pokémon: a Fire Goat, Water Octopus, and Grass Snail. But one bizarre detail is dominating conversation more than any of that: a new ground-type regional variant of Pokémon community has always had strong feelings about its mascots, but the idea of giving Charmander yet another region-specific twist, this time as a Ground-type has left fans baffled and, in many cases, frustrated. 'I don't care about the rest of it, just please for the love of god stop making a new Charmander every other region,' one fan wrote. Another chimed in: 'Only believing this because a regional variant for the Charizard line sounds exactly in line of what Pokémon would do lmao.' This isn't the first time Charmander and its evolutionary line have stolen the spotlight. Mega Charizard X , Y , and Gigantamax Charizard have all had their day. But for a growing segment of the fanbase, the overexposure is wearing thin, especially when there are over 1,000 other creatures in the Pokémon roster. Despite the frenzy, there's a high chance this entire leak is a fabrication. While 4chan has occasionally been a source of accurate leaks, its track record is sketchy at best. The anonymity of the platform makes it a breeding ground for unverified information, especially when it comes to major game franchises like Pokémon . Also read: Pokémon GO acquisition: Scopely buys Niantic's gaming division for $3.5 Billion – What it means for players and the future of the game 'If any of this ends up being true, I will livestream myself eating a Pikachu plushie,' one skeptical fan joked, echoing the mood of many. Still, it's fun to imagine. With Pokémon Legends: Z-A already confirmed as the next official release, anything beyond that is pure speculation. But the growing backlash to Charmander's repeated reinvention is a clear sign: the fanbase wants fresh ideas, not another familiar flame in a new coat of mud.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Is Pokémon running out of ideas? Ground-type Charmander leak sparks fan backlash in Gen 10 rumour mill
Charmander fatigue hits the fanbase Live Events Pokémon Gales & Tides or just another 4chan fantasy? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel When longtime Pokémon fan Aaron Lucero saw a Ground-type Charmander trending online this weekend, his reaction summed up what much of the fandom was feeling: 'Again? They're doing this again?'Lucero, like thousands of others, stumbled across the latest Generation 10 'leak' making the rounds online. The alleged info drop, which originated from 4chan and gained traction through a repost by the Hidden Power Podcast, outlines ambitious plans for the next mainline game, possibly titled Pokémon Gales & Tides, rumoured for the Nintendo Switch read: 'Pokémon Go' maker nears $3.5 billion deal to sell games unit The leak describes a tropical archipelago setting featuring 16 major islands, 150+ smaller ones, a new battle mechanic called 'Gigaxis,' and three new starter Pokémon: a Fire Goat, Water Octopus, and Grass Snail. But one bizarre detail is dominating conversation more than any of that: a new ground-type regional variant of Pokémon community has always had strong feelings about its mascots, but the idea of giving Charmander yet another region-specific twist, this time as a Ground-type has left fans baffled and, in many cases, frustrated.'I don't care about the rest of it, just please for the love of god stop making a new Charmander every other region,' one fan chimed in: 'Only believing this because a regional variant for the Charizard line sounds exactly in line of what Pokémon would do lmao.'This isn't the first time Charmander and its evolutionary line have stolen the spotlight. Mega Charizard X, Y, and Gigantamax Charizard have all had their day. But for a growing segment of the fanbase, the overexposure is wearing thin, especially when there are over 1,000 other creatures in the Pokémon the frenzy, there's a high chance this entire leak is a fabrication. While 4chan has occasionally been a source of accurate leaks, its track record is sketchy at best. The anonymity of the platform makes it a breeding ground for unverified information, especially when it comes to major game franchises like Poké read: Pokémon GO acquisition: Scopely buys Niantic's gaming division for $3.5 Billion – What it means for players and the future of the game 'If any of this ends up being true, I will livestream myself eating a Pikachu plushie,' one skeptical fan joked, echoing the mood of it's fun to imagine. With Pokémon Legends: Z-A already confirmed as the next official release, anything beyond that is pure speculation. But the growing backlash to Charmander's repeated reinvention is a clear sign: the fanbase wants fresh ideas, not another familiar flame in a new coat of mud.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'I need this': Fans react as Lego and Pokémon announce new partnership starting in 2026
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Get ready to not only catch 'em all, but build 'em all next year. Lego and Pokémon announced on Tuesday that they have entered a multi-year partnership to bring "Lego Pokémon" to life in 2026. The announcement doesn't share details about the partnership, whether folks can expect Pokémon building sets; a Lego Pokémon video game; or limited edition playing cards, but fans have already begun to speculate. Instead, a short teaser video featuring a Pikachu tail made of Lego bricks bounces across the screen. "I need this, I need this," TikTok user Eric Bricks said in a video on Tuesday. "I can already see this theme selling like hot cakes. We know how crazy Pokémon fans are." With the news hot off the presses, here's what we know so far about the Lego and Pokémon partnership. As of Tuesday, Lego and Pokémon's announcement remains quite vague for what their "multi-year partnership" includes. Fans are encouraged to check in on the Lego Pokémon website for updates at Lego Pokémon will be released in 2026, the companies shared. No, Lego has not made Pokémon building sets before. Up until now, popular Pokémon buildable sets have almost exclusively been created and sold by Mattel under the company's Mega Bloks brand. Lego and Pokémon fans alike have taken to social media to share their excitement for the collaboration. "I have lost count of the amount of times people have asked me what my dream Lego theme would be and I always answer the same way: 'Pokémon. Give me Pokémon.' And it's finally happening," TikTok user Block Party UK said in a video sharing the news. TikTok user cjBricklz, a Lego ambassador, said he hopes the brands release each of the first generation Pokémon (think Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle) as brick-build characters. "I think those would be some amazing 18+ sets and I would spend hundreds on those," cjBricklz said in his video. The Pokémon collaboration isn't the first time Lego has dipped its toes in the video game waters. Over the years, Lego has released Super Mario Bros., The Legend the Zelda, Minecraft and Animal Crossing sets. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lego, Pokémon enter partnership with new products coming in 2026
