Pokémon developer Gamer Freak has fallen victim to a data breach that has exposed confidential information about future Pokémon games, the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and other sensitive content. The leaked data also includes codenames for announced projects, internal company communications, personal information of 2,606 current, former, and contract employees and assets from past Pokémon games.
Game Freak acknowledged the breach and confirmed that its servers had been illegally accessed in August, exposing personnel information. However, the company did not address the leaked Pokémon data in its public statement.
The company expressed regret for the incident and reassured those affected that it had rebuilt the compromised security systems since then.
The breach unveiled codenames for Game Freak’s highly anticipated 10th-generation Pokémon game and Nintendo’s next-generation console. The Pokémon project, internally referred to as ‘Gaia,’ includes two versions codenamed ‘K’ and ‘N,’ which could suggest that the game is planned as a cross-generation title, released for both the current Nintendo Switch and its successor, reports IGN.
The successor console, called ‘Ounce,’ is widely speculated to be the much-awaited ‘Switch 2,’ although Nintendo has yet to officially confirm its development.
Additionally, the leak revealed the codename ‘Ikkaku’ for the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which has been slated for release in 2025. Rumours swirling around the interest suggest that this title will likely debut on both current Switch systems and the new console. This cross-generational strategy could mirror Nintendo’s approach with prior consoles, allowing new titles to launch simultaneously on both platforms to cater to existing and new hardware owners.
Another major revelation from the hack is mentioning a project codenamed ‘Synapse.’ Reports suggest this unannounced game may be a collaborative effort between Gamer Freak and another studio, potentially marking the franchise’s foray into the massively multiplayer online (MMO) gaming space.
While details remain sparse, the idea of a Pokémon MMO has long been a fan dream, sparking speculation about its possible gameplay mechanics and release timeline.
The breach exposed plans and compromised historical game data. Source code from beloved titles such as Pokémon HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black 2, and White 2 has been leaked. This data has surfaced online, unveiling unused Pokémon assets, alternate music tracks, and design elements that never made it into the final versions of these games.
The leaked information extended beyond gaming, unexpectedly revealing details about other Pokémon-related projects. Among the exposed data were story elements for a follow-up to the 2019 detective-themed Pokémon film. This sequel, reportedly helmed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, was slated for release in 2024 under the title ‘The Great Detective Pikachu.’ However, the current status of the production remains uncertain.
The breach also exposed internal documents suggesting preliminary talks about a potential series of three live-action Pokémon movies.
In addition to film projects, the leak mentions a yet-to-be-announced Pokémon live-action series in collaboration with Netflix. While Netflix has yet to comment on this project, the streaming platform’s interest in expanding its anime and live-action portfolios with Pokémon seems plausible.
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