Why did gamefreak add shiny Pokemon?

Question

I know it seems like a silly question, but I honestly can't imagine what sparkled the idea of adding it? Besides the red gyrados in g/s/c, how did they advertise shiny Pokemon?

Comments

So are you asking why gamefreak added shing pokemon or how the advertise shiny pokemon or both? I'm suspecting both.

---

both questions.

Answer 1

Bulbapedia-

In the main series, Shiny Pokémon were first introduced in Generation
II. This was likely to take fullest advantage of the Game Boy Color,
which enhanced Gold and Silver, and was required for Pokémon Crystal

This means Gamefreak wanted to make the most of the Gameboy colour, because back then, it was all black and white.

(Fun Fact: The term "Shiny Pokémon" was created by fans to refer to the sparkling sound effect and animation made at the start of an encounter with one in the games. Eventually, this term fell into official usage in Generation IV.) -Bulbapedia

(But note, Bulbapedia doesn't have everything, so never stop asking questions!)

Comments

I wonder which person started the 'shiny' term? They must be proud. o_o