The #ThankYouGameFreak hashtag first went viral in late 2019 as a counter-movement to the backlash surrounding Pokémon Sword and Shield's 'Dexit' controversy. Spearheaded by fans who wanted to show appreciation for the developers' hard work over decades, the trend quickly became a staple of the Pokémon community. While initially used for sincere tributes and nostalgic screenshots, it eventually evolved to include ironic usage, often appearing alongside clips of funny glitches or technical shortcomings in newer titles. Today, the meme serves as a versatile tool for both the most loyal fans and the sharpest critics of the iconic franchise.