Editing Fan polls

{{disambig2|the votes that directly determine new toy releases|the votes to honor important ''Transformers'' characters and creators|Transformers Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame}}

[[File:Fan Built Bot webpage.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb]]
Throughout the 2010s, [[Hasbro]] ran nearly-annual polls for the [[fandom]] to decide on future toy production. Initially, these '''Fan Built Bot''' polls focussed on the creation of new fan-influenced characters and toys, with voters being able to choose these characters' alternate modes, colourways, and personalities.

Eventually, these polls began to more closely resemble similar votes ran by [[TakaraTomy]], merely allowing fans to choose which out of a list of pre-existing characters would see a new toy release.

{{quote|BE A PART OF FAN BUILT|The slogan for the ''Combiner Wars'' poll}}

==2013==
===''Generations'' Fan Built Bot===
For the first Fan Built Bot, polls were conducted on transformers.com over the course of a week each. The first round was held between [[April 18]]th and [[May 5]]th, and included the following questions:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130420103345/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/TRANSFORMERS-FAN-BUILT-BOT-POLL.cfm TRANSFORMERS FAN BUILT BOT POLL round 1 (archived)]</ref>
{|class="wikitable" width="100%"
|-
!Faction!!Alternate mode!!Signature Weapon!!Color Scheme!!Personality
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|
* '''[[Autobot]]'''
* [[Decepticon]]
|width="20%" valign="top"|
* Car
* Truck
* Tank
* '''Jet'''
* Spaceship
* Terran Beast (Land)
* Avian Beast (Airborne)
* Helicopter
* Motorcycle
* Construction
|width="20%" valign="top"|
* Blaster Cannon
* Flame Thrower
* '''Sword'''
* Mace
* Spear/Harpoon
* Morningstar
* Cybertronian Taser
* Nunchucks
* Crossbow
* Long-Range Blaster
|width="20%" valign="top"|
* '''Red & Black'''
* Green & Gold
* Blue & Silver
* Orange & White
* Purple & Bronze
|width="20%" valign="top"|
* '''Valiant'''
* Sneaky
* Hotshot
* Secretive
* Wildman
* Grumpy
|}

The second round was held between [[May 10]]th and [[May 17]]th, and consisted of four more questions:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130510182651/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/TRANSFORMERS-FAN-BUILT-BOT-POLL.cfm TRANSFORMERS FAN BUILT BOT POLL round 2 (archived)]</ref>
{|class="wikitable" width="80%"
|-
!Name!!Gender!!Origin!!Specialty
|-
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* Autobot Eclipse
* Charon
* Centuritron
* Cashtron
* '''Windblade'''
* Autobot Wraith
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* Male
* '''Female'''
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* '''[[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]'''
* [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]
* [[Altihex]]
* [[Kalis]]
* [[Praxus]]
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* Combat Medic
* Bodyguard
* Recon
* '''Telepath'''
* Close Combat Specialist
|}

The result, [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], was revealed first in art form at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2013, with [[Windblade (G1)#Generations|her toy]] subsequently revealed at [[Toy Fair 2014]] for release in the tenth wave of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Thrilling 30|Generations: Thrilling 30]]'' [[Size class|Deluxe Class]] toys. In fiction, she starred in her own [[The Transformers: Windblade|four-issue miniseries]] from [[IDW Publishing]] and remained a prominent character until the end of [[2005 IDW continuity|that continuity]]. (Though her origin of Kaon from the poll was dropped, owing to the scarcity of [[female Transformer]]s on Cybertron in that particular fictional universe, with her instead being portrayed as coming from the colony [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]; similarly, her broad telepathy instead became [[Cityspeaker|Cityspeaking]].)

Due to the character's popularity, [[Windblade (RID)|different]] [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|incarnations]] of Windblade were also featured in the ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' cartoons.

===''Masterpiece'' Fan's Choice===
[[File:Masterpiece Fan's Choice.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
To commemorate ''Transformers''{{'}} 30th anniversary, TakaraTomy held a poll to decide which Japanese Autobot or Maximal leader would get a new toy in the prestigious ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' toyline. The poll began on [[June 18]]th with a closing date of [[August 31]], before being extended to [[September 6]]th. Voters were required to send their ballot form by post along with a requisite amount of [[Robot Point]]s collected from ''[[Transformers: Generations (Japan)|Generations]]'', ''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (toyline)|Go!]]'', and ''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|GT]]'' releases, or from in person at the 2013 Tokyo Toy Show.<ref>[https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tf30th/vote.html Voting Method | Transformers 30th Anniversary Site 「Masterpiece Fan's Choice」] on the TakaraTomy website</ref>
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!
!class="unsortable" |Candidate
!Result
|-
|1.
|[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Transformers: The Headmasters|The Headmasters]]'')
|0.3%
|-
|2.
|[[Ginrai (human)|Super Ginrai]] (''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Transformers: Super-God Masterforce|Super-God Masterforce]]'')
|18.6%
|-
|3.
|'''[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]]''' (''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory|Victory]]'')
|31.2%
|-
|4.
|[[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] (''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Transformers: Zone|Zone]]'')
|8.0%
|-
|5.
|[[Optimus Primal (BW)|Convoy]] (''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'')
|4.6%
|-
|6.
|[[Lio Convoy]] (''[[Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers#Beast Wars II|Beast Wars II]]'')
|2.0%
|-
|7.
|[[Big Convoy]] (''[[Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers#Beast Wars Neo|Beast Wars Neo]]'')
|2.1%
|-
|8.
|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Super Fire Convoy]] (''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Car Robots]]'')
|4.9%
|-
|9.
|[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Convoy]] (''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Legends of the Microns]]'')
|24.3%
|-
|10.
|[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Grand Convoy]] (''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Super Link]]'')
|1.5%
|-
|11.
|[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Galaxy Convoy]] (''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Galaxy Force]]'')
|2.5%
|-
|}

On [[November 19]], TakaraTomy representatives announced that Star Saber had won with 31.2% of the votes, followed by ''Legends of the Microns'' Convoy (24.3%) and Ginrai (18.6%). No other candidate received more than 8% of votes.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNS4COKWqPc "Transformers Masterpiece Fans Choice Results Announcement"] on the TakaraTomy YouTube channel</ref> [[Star Saber (G1)#Masterpiece|''Masterpiece'' Star Saber]] was released on [[March 21]], [[2015]]. [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|''Beast Wars'' Convoy]] and [[Lio Convoy#Masterpiece|Lio Convoy]] would go on to receive ''Masterpiece'' toys in 2016 and 2020 respectively, while [[Ginrai (human)#MPG|Super Ginrai]] would receive one in the subsequent ''[[The Transformers: MPG|MPG]]'' line in 2024.

==2014==
===''Generations'' Magazine Exclusive Character Popularity Vote===
[[File:TFGenerations2014 fan poll.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
TakaraTomy and [[Hero-X|Million Publishing]] ran a poll through the [[Transformers Generations 2014 Volume 1|first volume of ''Transformers Generations 2014'']] to determine the mail-away figure for the upcoming [[Transformers Generations 2014 Volume 2|second volume]]. In addition, the winning character would also appear in that volume's original manga story by [[Yuki Ohshima]]. A box above the selection of ten characters noted that a partner figure such as a [[Mini-Con|Micron]] would be considered for the winner; Alpha Trion was noted as coming with a [[Primus#Japanese Generation 1 Cartoon continuity|Vector Sigma]] accessory, presumably to be a golden redeco of [[Eggbot (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Eggbot]] as seen in the volume's manga story, "[[Train Wars]]".

Voting was done via post, as part of the same included postcard buyers could use to purchase Volume 1's exclusive mail-away toy, [[Shouki#Generations (Japan)|Shouki]]. The deadline for votes was [[June 16]], a good three months before the availability window for Shouki closed in September.
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!
!class="unsortable" |Candidate
!Result
|-
|1.
|[[Alpha Trion/toys#Generations (Japan)|Alpha Trion]] from [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Generations|''Generations'' Scourge]]
|28.9%
|-
|2.
|[[The Fallen/toys#Generations (Japan)|The Fallen]] from [[Onslaught (WFC)#Toys|''Generations Fall of Cybertron'' Onslaught]]/[[Ruination (FOC)#Toys|Ruination]]
|5%
|-
|3.
|"[[Cordon (G1)#Toys|Sunstreaker Police Type]]" <span style="font-size:80%">(placeholder name)</span> from [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|''Universe'' Sunstreaker]]
|3.8%
|-
|4.
|[[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Generations (Japan)|Smokescreen]] from [[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|''Universe'' Smokescreen]]
|2.9%
|-
|5.
|"[[Drift (G1)#Generations (Japan)|Autobot Drift Black Ver.]]" <span style="font-size:80%">(placeholder name)</span> from [[Drift (G1)#Generations|''Generations'' Drift]]
|12.7%
|-
|6.
|[[Overdrive#Generations (Japan)|Overdrive]] from [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|''Universe'' Silverstreak]]
|2.9%
|-
|7.
|[[Downshift (G1)#Generations (Japan)|Camshaft]] from [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Generations|''Generations'' Wheeljack]]
|1%
|-
|8.
|[[Camshaft (G1)#Generations (Japan)|Downshift]] from [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|''Universe'' Ironhide]]
|1.6%
|-
|9.
|[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)#Generations (Japan)|Metals Silverbolt]] from [[Grimwing (Prime)#Toys|''Prime'' Grimwing]]
|14.8%
|-
|10.
|'''[[Goshooter#Generations (Japan)|Goshooter]] from [[Nightbeat (G1)#Generations|''Generations'' Nightbeat]]'''
|29.3%
|-
|}

On [[July 22]], Million Publishing announced that Goshooter had won with 29.3% of the votes, with Alpha Trion a close second at 28.9%.<ref>[http://millionhero.sblo.jp/article/101898683.html "Transformers Generations 2014 Volume 2" Magazine Exclusive Character Popularity Vote Result Announcement] on the Hero-X website</ref> Consequently, [[Goshooter#Generations (Japan)|Goshooter]] was made available as a mail-away with ''Transformers Generations 2014 Volume 2'', now partnered with a [[Micromaster]] toy of his human counterpart, [[Shūta Gō#Generations (Japan)|Shūta Gō]], and the duo took centre stage in "[[Train Wars 2]]".
{{-}}

==2015==
===''Combiner Wars'' Fan Built Combiner===
[[File:Fan poll A Call to Arms and Legs.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
Following in the footsteps of the Fan Built Bot poll, the Fan Built Combiner poll (a.k.a. the Fan Built ''Combiner Wars'' poll) was announced on [[January 15]], 2015, with the goal of creating a whole new character for the then-current ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' toyline.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=It's coming! You and your fellow fans will soon be able to vote to help shape the Fan Built Combiner Bot in the official Transformers app!|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/774352252634971/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=01|day=15}}</ref>

Voting was done via the official ''Transformers'' mobile app, and the first round ran from [[January 25]]<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The Transformers brand app is all new right now, with new Transformers Generations content including the vote for the Fan Built Combiner.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/778728762197320/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=01|day=25}}</ref> to [[February 1]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Only one more day to get your votes in on the first round of the Transformers Fan Built Combiner poll.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/780911735312356/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=01|day=31}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=Millions believe {{w|Super Bowl XLIX|today’s game}} is the year’s biggest matchup. But we all know the real battle is over the Fan Built Combiner character.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/780913261978870/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=02|day=01}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" width="60%"
|-
!Faction!!Torso and weapon!!Limbs
|-
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* '''[[Autobot]]'''
* [[Decepticon]]
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* [[Silverbolt (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Je]][[Powerglide (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|ts]]
* [[Motormaster (G1)#Combiner Wars|Truck]] and [[Blackjack (G1)#Combiner Wars|car]]
* '''[[Hot Spot (G1)#Combiner Wars|Fire truck]] and [[Groove (G1)#Combiner Wars|motorcycle]]'''
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* [[Aerialbot (G1)#Combiner Wars|Jet]]/[[Alpha Bravo#Combiner Wars|Helicopter]]
* [[Offroad (CW)#Combiner Wars|Truck]]
* [[Stunticon (G1)#Combiner Wars|Car]]
|}
The choices in this round consisted of molds from the first three waves of ''Combiner Wars''–notably, the fire truck/motorcycle torso option pre-empted any official announcement of the third wave's Hot Spot and Groove. Each limb was voted on individually, while the torso and weapon components were presented as a set. On [[February 5]], the combiner was announced as an Autobot.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The humans have spoken. Congratulations, Autobots, the Fan Built Combiner character will join your faction in the near feature. {{sic}} |link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/783748698361993/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=02|day=05}}</ref>

Round 2 began on [[February 11]]<ref>{{citesocial|quote=It’s time to help choose the limbs of the Fan Built Combiner character. Cast your vote in the Transformers app now.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/784595794943950/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=02|day=11}}</ref> and included polls to narrow down the choice of limbs from two aerial vehicles and two cars to more specific mold options. This round ran at least until [[February 16]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Optimus Prime wants you... to do your earthling duty and cast your Fan Built Combiner vote in the Transformers app today.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/789497691120427/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=02|day=16}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable" width="80%"
|-
!Limb #1/#2!!Limb #3/#4!!Origin!!Color scheme
|-
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)/toys#Combiner Wars|Bomber]]
* [[Fireflight (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Recon Plane]]
* '''Helicopter'''
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* [[Drag Strip (G1)#Combiner Wars|Drag Racer]]
* [[Dead End (G1)#Combiner Wars|'''Sports Car''']]
* [[Breakdown (G1)#Combiner Wars|'''Race Car''']]
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]
* [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]
* '''[[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]]'''
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* Blue/cyan/tan
* Orange/grey/blue
* '''Cyan/red/white'''
|}
A bonus round also took place via the [[Toys"R"Us]] Twitter between [[February 17]] and [[February 28|28]] to select which special power the Combiner would have.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=What power should the Fan Built Combiner character have? Head to the Toys "R" Us Twitter handle now to help choose|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/791139454289584/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=02|day=18}}</ref> The tweet is still up.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=YOU can help create the Transformers fan-built Combiner! Choose a power & vote with the hashtag through 2/28.|link=https://twitter.com/ToysRUs/status/568092613775118336|name=Toys"R"Us|site=Twitter|year=2015|month=02|day=18|}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" width="20%"
|-
!Power
|-
|
* [[Earthquake (event)|Earthquake]]
* '''Gravity control'''
* Teleport
|}
By [[February 19]], the app had updated to reveal the Sea of Rust as the chosen origin.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/the-combiner-wars-autobot-fanbuilt-combiner-hails-from-the-sea-of-rust/32272/ "The Combiner Wars Autobot Fan-Built Combiner Hails From The Sea Of Rust" on Seibertron.com]</ref>

The final round of voting began on [[February 26]]<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Today, the final phase of voting for the Fan Built Combiner character begins.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/794613113942218/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=02|day=26}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=Phase III voting for the Combiner character is on, and there are some big decisions to make.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/795117220558474/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=03|day=02}}</ref> and ended on [[March 5]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Only one day left to decide the fate of the Fan Built Combiner character.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/797188030351393/?__tn__=%2CO* |name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=03|day=04}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable" width="80%"
|-
!Gender!!Name!!Personality!!Nemesis
|-
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* Male
* '''Female'''
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* '''Victorion'''
* Slammoth
* Quakebreak
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* Loyal
* '''Independent'''
* Leader
|width="25%" valign="top"|
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]
* '''[[Galvatronus (CW)|Galvatronus]]'''
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]
|}

On [[April 1]], the ''Transformers'' Facebook announced that the Fan Built Combiner was being scrapped in favour of a new toy of [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] – [[April Fools' Day|April Fools]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Due to issues with the voting mechanism, we have to make some executive decisions on the Fan-Built Combiner. Here’s a sneak peek at what we’re thinking!|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/811433335593529/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=04|day=01}}</ref> A more serious update was shared on [[April 13]], when it was announced that the new Combiner's rival would be [[Galvatronus (CW)|Galvatronus]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The new fan built combiner already has a big problem: Galvatronus. Do you think this new bot is going to have what it takes to stand up to him?|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/817234415013421/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=04|day=13}}</ref>

[[Victorion]], the resulting female Combiner, was revealed in all her glory on [[July 9]] at [[San Diego Comic-Con]]<ref>{{citesocial|quote=FROM LASERBEAK: Just released, straight from San Diego Comic-Con: a full look at the Fan Built Combiner character: Autobot Victorion. Is it 2016 yet?|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/posts/858405857562943|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=07|day=09}}</ref> where she also made her fictional debut in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters]]'' one-shot comic ahead of joining the main cast of the ongoing [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] series. After her box art was revealed on [[January 2]], [[2016]],<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Enjoy some of the original art behind your Fan Built Combiner, Victorion.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/942310135839181/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2016|month=02|day=01}}</ref> [[Victorion#Combiner Wars|her toy]] was released in April that year.

===''Titans Return'' Titan Class Toy Release===
[[File:Titans Return fan vote.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
The next fan poll, announced [[November 20]], 2015, regarded who would be the next year's Titan Class figure for ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'', following [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Titans Return|Fortress Maximus]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=With the epic Titans Return chapter of the Generations Prime Wars Trilogy comes a new line of Titan Class toys. It’s about time these legendary, city sized Titans hit shelves. Fortress Maximus will lead the release, and we need YOU to choose his successor. Scorponok, Trypticon and Omega Supreme will be stumping for your vote this week.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/926167814120080/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=11|day=20}}</ref> 

The subsequent days revealed campaign posters for "You Can't Knock Scorponok",<ref>{{citesocial|quote=With a strong head on his shoulders that never turns to retreat, Scorponok is prepared to succeed Fortress Maximus in the Generations Titans Return Titan Class Toy Release—so he claims. Is he really the Decepticon to turn to when there’s crisis afoot—or is he just the one creating it?|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/926168160786712/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=11|day=21}}</ref> "Move On With Trypticon",<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Always on the front lines, this destructive Dinobot was never afraid to get his feet wet in battle—as long as it was on dry land. As your Generations Titans Return Titan Class Toy Release successor, he promises to blaze a trail forward no matter what gets in his way. Do you believe he can handle the heat outside of battle?|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/926168680786660/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=11|day=22}}</ref> and "I'm On Team Omega Supreme".<ref>{{citesocial|quote=An Autobot of wait-and-see diplomacy, Omega Supreme has stood sentinel over cities and is ready to stand behind Fortress Maximus in the Generations Titans Return Titan Class Toy Release—so he says. Is this old-timer insider the one to get the job done?|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/926168920786636/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=11|day=23}}</ref>

Voting opened on [[November 24]] and closed within fourteen hours.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=You heard from your Titans, and now it’s time to cast your vote. Who deserves to serve as the successor to Fortress Maximus in the Generations Titans Return Titan Class Toy Release? Comment below with #VoteScorponok, #VoteTrypticon or #VoteOmegaSupreme —only hashtag votes on this post will be counted. Voting is open all day, so cast your vote now, and start stating your case!" This was later edited to lead with "The polls are closed - thanks for voting!
|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/926169094119952/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=11|day=24}}</ref> Voters had to respond to the post with the hashtag of their selected candidate, and would even receive a (virtual) "I Voted" badge emblazoned with the image of their chosen character.
{|class="wikitable" width="30%"
|-
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* '''[[Trypticon (G1)|#VoteTrypticon]]'''
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|#VoteOmegaSupreme]]
* [[Scorponok (G1)|#VoteScorponok]]
|}
On [[December 1]], Hasbro announced that [[Trypticon (G1)#Titans Return|Trypticon]] had won.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=There truly is nothing that can stand in the way of Trypticon. With your votes, he smashed his way to becoming the next Generations Titans Return Titan Class toy. Mark your calendars, and look for him to hit shelves late 2017.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/931380200265508/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2015|month=12|day=11}}</ref> The toy hit shelves in 2017.
{{-}}

==2017==
===''Power of the Primes'' Fan Vote===
[[File:Fan poll Who's Your Prime.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
The next set of fan polls was announced on [[December 1]], 2016 for ''[[Power of the Primes (franchise)|Power of the Primes]]'', and allowed fans to choose the next [[Matrix of Leadership]] bearer to "set[...] the tone for all things in the Transformers universe", with the winner to feature in the ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'' storytelling and accompanying toyline.<ref>[https://tfwiki.tumblr.com/post/153921009773/hasbro-lets-fans-shape-the-future-of-the The Hasbro press release announcing the ''Power of the Primes'' poll, archived on the TFWiki.net tumblr]</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=Ready to write the next chapter of the Transformers story? This January, YOU choose the next Prime who’ll lead Cybertron after the Titans Return. From nine potential candidates, the next bearer of the Matrix of Leadership will be chosen!|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/1241777612559097/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2016|month=12|day=1}}</ref>

The first round of voting opened on [[January 23]], [[2017]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=You have the power to vote to shape the Transformers Universe. At transformers.com/vote, you can choose the faction (HONOR, CHAOS or ORDER) you’d like to lead Cybertron. Vote now!|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/1272396496163875/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2017|month=01|day=23}}</ref> Voters were tasked with selecting one candidate from each group: Honor, Chaos, and Order. They were allowed to repeat this process once every twenty-four hours.

{|class="wikitable" width="60%"
|-
!Honor!!Chaos!!Order
|-
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]
* '''[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'''
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* '''[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Unknown Evil]]'''
* [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]
* '''[[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]'''
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]
* '''[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]]'''
|}

As January came to a close, Hasbro announced the successful candidates: Ultra Magnus,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Fans have chosen Ultra Magnus as the representative for the Honor faction. Vote for him at transformers.com/vote if you want to see the Cybertronian way of life restored so its Golden Age. Voting opens 2/1!|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/1334355349967989/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2017|month=1|day=28}}</ref> Optimus Primal,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Fans have chosen a Chaos candidate. And if you want to see Optimus Primal claim the Matrix of Leadership with their might, vote opens on 2/1 at transformers.com/vote. Only the strong shall survive.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/1334358076634383/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2017|month=1|day=29}}</ref> Star Saber,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Those of the New Order believe the old ways have shackled Cybertron. And now fans have chosen an Order candidate - Star Saber. Grant them the power of the Matrix of Leadership by voting on 2/1 at transformers.com/vote.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/1334359143300943/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2017|month=1|day=30}}</ref> and the mysterious "Unknown Evil",<ref>{{citesocial|quote=In our search for the next bearer of the Matrix of Leadership, fans have chosen a wildcard candidate - Unknown Evil. Now it's time for you to decide who will claim the Matrix's power at transformers.com/vote. Voting opens 2/1.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/1334451716625019/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2017|month=1|day=31}}</ref> a "wildcard" candidate who had received the highest number of votes out of all the runners-up. The second round of voting began on [[February 1]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Only one from each faction and a Wildcard remain. It’s time for the final vote. Select the Prime and decide who leads Cyberton in the next chapter. Who has your vote?|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/1342064762530381/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2017|month=2|day=1}}</ref>

On [[February 18]], Hasbro announced that Optimus Primal had ultimately placed first,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Fans have spoken. Optimus Primal is your next Prime, the bearer of Matrix of Leadership, and the new leader in the Transformers lore! Did they have your vote?|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/1362620857141438/?__tn__=%2CO* F|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2017|month=2|day=18}}</ref> followed by Unknown Evil–now revealed as Deathsaurus–Ultra Magnus, and Star Saber in second, third, and fourth place respectively.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2017/02/18/toy-fair-2017-transformers-panel-coverage-333630 Toy Fair 2017 Transformers Panel Coverage at tfw2005.com]</ref> The prototype of Primal's toy was first shown off at [[HasCon 2017]], leading to [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Power of the Primes|a pair of releases]] in ''Power of the Primes'' in mid-2018 and a prominent role in the [[Transformers: Power of the Primes (cartoon)|tie-in web series]].

{{see|Source:Power of the Primes Fan Vote|''Power of the Primes'' fan poll}}
{{-}}

==2018==
===''War for Cybertron Trilogy''===
[[File:Siege fan poll artwork.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
[[Toy Fair 2018]] saw the announcement of the ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (franchise)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' franchise, and though nothing concrete was revealed about the then-upcoming line, fans were promised the opportunity to vote for a pair of Deluxe Class characters to be included in the trilogy's [[War for Cybertron: Siege|first chapter]].

The polls opened on [[February 20]], with voting taking place on the ''Transformers'' brand Facebook page,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Vote via hashtag for the rivalry you want to see as Deluxe Class figures. The vote ends Friday!|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/videos/1827437210659798/|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2018|month=02|day=20}}</ref> Instagram account,<ref>Ditto for {{citesocial|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfa1yR5F2VN/|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Instagram|year=2018|month=02|day=20|defunct=yes}}</ref> and Twitter replies.<ref>Ditto for {{citesocial|link=https://twitter.com/Hasbro/status/966334074402082816|name=Hasbro|site=Twitter|year=2018|month=02|day=21}}</ref> [[Hasbro Pulse]]–which at this point in its existence was a collector-oriented news site–revealed the story reasoning behind each pair of rivals.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180223174748/http://pulse.hasbro.com/news/war-cybertron-fan-vote-here WAR FOR CYBERTRON FAN VOTE IS HERE] on the former Hasbro Pulse website (archived)</ref> On [[February 23]], the final day of voting, the Facebook page addressed some hanging questions about the character choices.<ref>[https://tformers.com/hasbro-2018-transformers-fan-vote-mini-qa-offers-at-least-one-interesting-detail/33262/news.html "Hasbro 2018 Transformers Fan-Vote Mini Q&A Offers At Least One Interesting Detail" at tformers.com], which mirrors from a [https://www.facebook.com/transformers/posts/1831863486883837 defunct Facebook link]</ref>

{|class="wikitable" width="60%"
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* Saboteur vs Scientist: #[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]]Vs[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]
* Brother vs Brother: #[[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]]Vs[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]
* '''Mirage vs The Mercenary: #[[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]]Vs[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]'''
|}

On [[February 27]], then-design lead [[John Warden]] took to the Facebook page to personally announce the victors in video form.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=I'm John, and I'm here to announce the winning rivalry of the War for Cybertron Trilogy fan vote. [...] Without further ado, let's get right to it. The winner of the War for Cybertron Trilogy fan vote is... Impactor vs Mirage.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/videos/1837515759651943/|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2018|month=2|day=27}}</ref> This led to [[Impactor (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Impactor]] and [[Mirage (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Mirage]] receiving new toys in the ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' toyline in 2019, both as regular retail figures and with alternative head sculpts in an exclusive multi-pack.

Over the subsequent five years, each of the other candidates would [[#Notes|receive new ''Generations'' toys anyway]].
{{-}}

===''Vintage G1''===
[[File:Fan poll Vintage G1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
The next poll was announced via Hasbro Pulse and Hasbro's social media accounts on [[December 10]], 2018 to decide a future toy out of two pairs for release in the ''[[Vintage|Vintage G1]]'' toyline in Spring of 2020. All polls were carried out on Hasbro Pulse's Instagram stories.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Which G1 classic bot do you want to see make a return to Walmart in Spring 2020? Cast your votes starting tomorrow on our story!|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/BrNZyFMnQzk/|name=Hasbro Pulse|site=Instagram|year=2018|month=12|day=10}}</ref>

Round 1 took place on [[December 11]], pitting Perceptor against Astrotrain,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Round 1: PERCEPTOR vs ASTROTRAIN. Which G1 classic bot do YOU want to see make a return to @Walmart in Spring 2020? VOTE NOW in our story!|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/BrP5UjxngRa/|name=Hasbro Pulse|site=Instagram|year=2018|month=12|day=11}}</ref> and round 2 took place on [[December 12]], pitting Thundercracker against Skywarp.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Round 2: SKYWARP vs THUNDERCRACKER. Which G1 classic seeker do YOU want to go up against ASTROTRAIN in the finals to make a return? VOTE NOW in our story!|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/BrSem4SlAF7/|name=Hasbro Pulse|site=Instagram|year=2018|month=12|day=12}}</ref> The final round took place on [[December 13]], as a decider between Astrotrain and Skywarp.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=FINAL ROUND: ASTROTRAIN vs SKYWARP. Which G1 classic do you want to make a return to @walmart in Spring 2020?! Vote now in our story!|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/BrVRhBzFn7h/|name=Hasbro Pulse|site=Instagram|year=2018|month=12|day=13}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable" width="60%"
|-
!Round 1!!Round 2!!Final Round
|-
|width="33%" valign="top"|
[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] vs '''[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'''
|width="33%" valign="top"|
[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] vs '''[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'''
|width="33%" valign="top"|
'''Astrotrain''' vs Skywarp
|}
On [[December 14]], Hasbro announced that Astrotrain had won,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=4 Bots entered, 1 was voted back! G1 ASTROTRAIN will return to @walmart in Spring 2020!|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/BrX09NbFnFE/|name=Hasbro Pulse|site=Instagram|year=2018|month=12|day=14}}</ref> though [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|his reissued toy]] unexpectedly hit shelves early in December 2019.
{{-}}

==2019==
===''Vintage G1''===
[[File:Fan poll Vintage G1 Facebook.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
On [[May 17]], [[2019]], the ''Transformers'' Facebook page held a surprisingly low key poll to determine another 2020 release in the ''Vintage G1'' line, using Facebook's built-in polling feature.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=It's time to choose! Which one of these bots do YOU want to see as a G1 2020 @Walmart exclusive figure?|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/posts/2658418017561709|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2019|month=05|day=17|defunct=yes}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" width="30%"
|-
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* '''[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'''
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]
|}
The poll was only open for 24 hours, and the following day it was announced that Blaster had won,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=In one of the closest races yet, you decided that BLASTER is gonna be the next G1 exclusive @Walmart. Look for this special edition bot in 2020!|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/2663510377052473|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2019|month=05|day=18}}</ref> receiving 56% of the vote.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2019/05/18/blaster-wins-the-walmart-exclusive-g1-reissue-2020-fan-vote-388380 "Blaster Wins The Walmart Exclusive G1 Reissue 2020 Fan Vote" on tfw2005.com]</ref> The [[Blaster (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|reissued Blaster]] went up for preorder in June 2020,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=You voted and now here he is, the Walmart G1 Reissue Fan Vote For 2020 -- Autobot Blaster! Who's adding this classic G1 figure to their shelf? (Cassette Tape not included 😜)|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/3944719742264857/|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2020|month=06|day=28}}</ref> and was released in the subsequent October.
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy''===
[[File:Earthrise fan poll artwork.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
On [[June 12]], [[2019]], the same Facebook page posted that another fan poll was upcoming, with four mysteriously silhouetted Decepticons in the running for a place in [[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|the second chapter]] of the ''War for Cybertron Trilogy''.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Can you identify the Decepticons shown below? Share your guesses in the comments! Once we reveal the identities of each shadowy figure, you’ll have the opportunity to decide which becomes a War for Cybertron figure in 2020.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/2725416367528540/|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2019|month=06|day=12}}</ref> The following day, the character selection was revealed, and hashtag-based voting began in the comments section.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Great guesses! The four bots are #GNAW, #RUNAMUCK, #NEEDLENOSE & #SHRAPNEL. As the War for Cybertron rages, each of these bots is trying to sneak onto the Autobot’s spaceship, the Ark. Vote for the Decepticon you’d like to stowaway aboard the Ark and see as a War for Cybertron figure in 2020 by commenting below. Limit one vote per user and one character name per vote. Voting closes in 48-Hours.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/2727924640611046/|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2019|month=06|day=13}}</ref> 

{|class="wikitable" width="30%"
|-
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* [[Gnaw (G1)|#Gnaw]]
* '''[[Runamuck (G1)|#Runamok]]''' {{sic}}
* [[Needlenose (G1)|#Needlenose]]
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|#Shrapnel]]
|}

Voting closed 48 hours later, with the accompanying image updated to spell Runamuck's name in the more traditional manner,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Thank you for telling us which Decepticon you’d like to see as a War for Cybertron figure in 2020! Voting has officially closed. The winner will be announced on July 17 |link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/2732923406777836/|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2019|month=06|day=15}}</ref> suggesting votes with both hashtag variants were counted.

On [[July 18]], the page proclaimed Runamuck the winner,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The fans have spoken and #RUNAMUCK will become a Fall 2020 War for Cybertron figure! Wondering how he stowed away on the Ark? #RUNAMUCK entered through the cargo hold looking to cause some explosive damage. |link=https://www.facebook.com/transformers/photos/a.153259298077606/2819867618083414/|name=TRANSFORMERS|site=Facebook|year=2019|month=06|day=19}}</ref> despite the fact that it appeared that Needlenose had the most votes.{{fact}} [[Runamuck (G1)#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Runamuck's toy]] materialised in ''War for Cybertron: Earthrise'' and, perhaps unsurprisingly, ''Earthrise'' [[Runabout (G1)#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Runabout]] soon followed... but then again, so did [[#Notes|new toys of all the other candidates]]!

{{-}}

==2025==
===Activate Your Alt Mode===
[[File:Activate your alt-mode.jpeg|upright=1.66|thumb|Redesign your alt mode. We know what we're doing. We are here to help you. Everything's connected.]]

On [[July 25]], [[2025]], Hasbro announced ''Activate Your Alt Mode'' at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] alongside a video uploaded to the [[Hasbro Pulse]] YouTube channel featuring franchise-legend [[Frank Welker]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NctR0LWttjA Transformers - Activate Your Alt Mode, Hasbro Pulse Youtube]</ref> Welker explained that the winner of the vote was to receive a new toy with a fan-selected [[alternate mode]]. The voting was held using the poll feature on the Transformers Instagram account<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/p/DNN6DCcyhmp/ Activate Your Alt Mode Fan Vote kick off, Instagram]</ref> and on Chinese site RedNote, with all votes being combined to determine winners. Voting was split into 3 rounds over the course of 16 days.

{|class="wikitable" width="60%"
|-
!colspan=3|Round 1: Character
|-
!Autobots!!Decepticons!!Finalists
|-
|width="33%" valign="top"|
'''[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]''' vs [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]
|width="33%" valign="top"|
'''[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]''' vs [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
|width="33%" valign="top"|
Grimlock vs '''Shockwave'''
|}

The first round was to decide which character would receive a new alt-mode, starting with the Autobot contenders on [[August 12]], pitting Grimlock against Mirage.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/reel/DNQYBeVtvg-/ Round 1 CHOOSE THE AUTOBOT, Instagram]</ref> The Decepticon contenders were chosen on [[August 13]], pitting Shockwave against Starscream.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/reel/DNTDi8LtgPm/ Round 1 CHOOSE THE DECEPTICON, Instagram]</ref> The last day of round 1, [[August 14]], saw Grimlock against Shockwave.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/reel/DNVhltLNI7n/ Round 1 CHOOSE AUTOBOT vs. DECEPTICON, Instagram]</ref>

Shockwave was announced the winner of round 1 on [[August 15]].<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/p/DNXxxI0ttwV/ The #ActivateYourAltMode winning character is… SHOCKWAVE!, Instagram]</ref>

{|class="wikitable" width="25%"
|-
!Round 2: Alt Mode Category
|-
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* Land
* Air
* '''Sea'''
* Wild Card
|}

Before Round 2 began, brand manager [[Nate Purswell]] took to Instagram to clarify what the Round 3 alt-mode types for each Round 2 option would be to help inform voters.<ref name=ActivateNate>{{citesocial|quote=Next round will be the Alt Mode Category: Land, Sea, Air or Wildcard. Then the next and final round will be 4 different options under the winning category. Here are the options:
<br>Land: Creature, Truck, Train or Supercar
<br>Sea: Speedboat, Submarine, Creature (no fan art…) or Hoverboat
<br>Air: Jet, Helicopter, Creature or Airship
<br>Wild Card: Weapon, Starfighter, Creature or Device|link=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNa1NTrOa77/|name=Nate Purswell|site=Instagram|year=2025|month=08|day=16}}</ref> Land consisted of Creature, Truck, Train, or Supercar. Sea consisted of Speedboat, Submarine, Creature, or Hoverboat. Air consisted of Jet, Helicopter, Creature, or Airship. Wild Card consisted of Weapon, Starfigher, Creature, or Device. Additionally, Nate clarified that the winning choice—specifically sea's "creature" option—would not be based on any fan art, likely due to fans asking for a Shockwave with a ''Spinosaurus'' alt-mode based on a popular fan comic. 

Round 2 began on [[August 18]] and ran for three days to determine which alt-mode category would be chosen<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/p/DNfjJ-mOz6Y/ Round 2 CHOOSE AN ALT MODE CATEGORY, Instagram]</ref> Wild Card started out in the lead on the first day,{{fact}} but was quickly overtaken by Sea, which was announced as the winner of round 2 on [[August 22]].<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/p/DNp9DGEt3Lo/ The winning alt mode category is… SEA!, Instagram]</ref>

[[File:Activate your alt mode Shockwave.jpeg|upright=1|thumb|Shock''whale'', the most logical choice!]]
{|class="wikitable" width="20%"
|-
!Round 3: Alt Mode Type
|-
|width="33%" valign="top"|
* Hoverboat
* Submarine
* Speedboat
* '''Creature'''
|}

Round 3 began on [[August 25]] and ran for 3 days to determine which specific sea-based alt-mode Shockwave would turn into.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/p/DNx9_pQ2pa9/ Round 3 CHOOSE A SEA ALT MODE, Instagram]</ref>

The Transformers Instagram revealed that "creature" had won round 3 on [[August 29]], and that the design would be revealed on ''[[Transformers Day]]'' of that year, held on [[September 17]], [[2025]].<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/p/DN74hnrDQq1/ The winning alt mode is…  CREATURE!, Instagram]</ref>

After a few teasers, the design for the new Shockwave toy was finally revealed on September 17 in a video posted on the Transformers Instagram, once again featuring Welker to announce the figure.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/reel/DOt8SNcieUi/ Your votes. One all-new alt mode. Delivered by Frank Welker., Instagram]</ref> In the video, concept art was revealed of a Shockwave design capable of transforming into a mechanical humpback whale ([[Transformers (2023) issue 10|fitting!]]) with subtle submarine influences as a nod to round 3's runner up.{{fact}} More refined concept art was revealed the following day, as well as scrapped concepts for shark, manta-ray, and squid Shockwaves.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/transformersofficial/reel/DOwJWpeia-Q/ Let’s deep dive into Shockwave’s new humpback whale alt mode design with product designer, Evan., Instagram]</ref> The figure will likely be released as a fan-channel exclusive in [[2026]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=“Activate Your Alt Mode” Shockwave will be some manner of exclusive next year, not mass retail. It will probably be at Hasbro Pulse like ''Timelines'', but the details are nowhere near finalised.|link=https://tfwikicommunity.wordpress.com/2025/10/29/a-stampede-of-hooves-and-tires-my-saturday-with-the-hasbro-team-mcm-comic-con-25/|name=viv|site=TFWiki Community|title=A Stampede of Hooves & Tires: My Saturday with the Hasbro Team @ MCM Comic Con ’25|year=2025|month=10|day=29}}</ref>
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File: ShockwaveRejects.jpeg|upright=1|thumb|You were expecting a spinosuarus? How [[Copyright|illogical!]]]]
Losing options from the polls frequently received acknowledgement later down the road:
* Unsuccessful names from the 2013 Fan Built Bot poll saw use, with a new character named "[[Centuritron#Generations|Centuritron]]" appearing in ''Generations'', and the names "[[Eagle Eye (G1)#Generations|Eclipse]]" and "[[Brainstorm (G1)#Titans Return|Charon]]" being used for new ''Generations'' toys of classic characters.
* After losing the 2013 poll for a new ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' toy, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|Beast Convoy]] and [[Lio Convoy#Masterpiece|Lio Convoy]] were released in the line anyway, in [[2016]] and [[2020]] respectively, while [[Ginrai_(human)#MPG|Super Ginrai]] was released in the follow-up [[The_Transformers:_MPG|MPG]] line in 2024.
* The two unchosen names from 2015's Fan Built Combiner poll were used as new identities for established characters, with the ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Big Convoy#Beast Wars: Uprising|Big Convoy]] being rechristened "Slammoth" and the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' character [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]] becoming "Quakebreak" after an [[Shroud|in-fiction alteration to the multiverse]].
* After losing out to Trypticon in 2015's second poll, [[Omega Supreme (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Omega Supreme]] and [[Scorponok (G1)#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Scorponok]] received Titan Class figures later on in ''Siege'' and ''Earthrise'' respectively.
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Shockwave]] received Leader Class toys in ''Siege'' after losing the opportunity in 2017's poll – and arguably, both of those toys nonetheless fit into the "Evolution"-style armouring up gimmick found in the ''Power of the Primes'' Leader Class.
* Two other runners-up from the 2017 poll would receive big-ticket crowdfunding toys in the form of [[Hasbro Pulse#HasLab|HasLab]] [[Star Saber (G1)#Legacy|Victory Saber]] and [[Deathsaurus (G1)#Legacy|Decepticon Deathsaurus]].
* ''All'' of the candidates from 2018's ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' poll received new toys anyway, with [[Spinister (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Spinister]] appearing in ''Siege'', [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Wheeljack]] seeing three releases across the trilogy beginning with ''Earthrise'', and [[Tracks (G1)/toys#Generations|Tracks]] coming out in the third chapter, ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]''.
* After 2018's ''Vintage G1'' poll, Skywarp was once again eligible in a similar poll in 2019. While he also didn't win that one, 2023's  ''Transformers Retro'', the successor to ''Vintage G1'', reissued both [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Transformers_Retro|him]] and fellow 2018 ''Vintage G1'' poll loser [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Transformers_Retro|Perceptor]].
* [[Gnaw (G1)#Studio Series|Gnaw]] lost the opportunity for a ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' toy in the 2019 poll, but received an aesthetically similar toy in ''[[Studio Series]]''.
* [[Needlenose (G1)#Legacy|Needlenose]] in particular seems to have had the deck stacked in his favour, being a recurring candidate in 2018 and 2019 (and losing both times) before finally being thrown a bone in ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy: Evolution]]''.
* Similarly, [[Shrapnel (G1)#Legacy|Shrapnel]] also got a toy in ''Legacy: Evolution'' despite losing the 2019 poll.

*[[Evan Brooks]] was advised by marketers to not have ''Activate Your Alt Mode'' Shockwave transform into a squid to "avoid undermining the potential market" for a ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Sea squid]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Marketers advised Evan not to make “Activate Your Alt Mode” Shockwave a squid to avoid undercutting the potential market for the giant Kup-eatin’ squid from the 1986 movie down the line, to show you how far these teams are thinking ahead. If that was tackled for real, Evan would consider doing it as an ''SS86'' Titan!|link=https://tfwikicommunity.wordpress.com/2025/10/29/a-stampede-of-hooves-and-tires-my-saturday-with-the-hasbro-team-mcm-comic-con-25/|name=viv|site=TFWiki Community|title=A Stampede of Hooves & Tires: My Saturday with the Hasbro Team @ MCM Comic Con ’25|year=2025|month=10|day=29}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Transformers Hall of Fame]], a regular fan poll for honouring ''Transformers'' characters and creators
* ''[[Splatoon]]'', which also featured a vitally important fan poll

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150504201626/https://investor.hasbro.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=757648 Hasbro press release announcing the Fan Built Bot poll (archived)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150522183047/https://investor.hasbro.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=892871 Hasbro press release announcing the Fan Built Combiner poll (archived)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NctR0LWttjA Hasbro announcement video for the Activate Your Alt Mode poll] on the [[Hasbro Pulse]] YouTube channel

[[Category:Hasbro]]
[[Category:Fandom]]