Game Freak, the developer behind Pokémon, has confirmed a significant data breach following the appearance of leaked information online about upcoming Pokémon titles. The hacking incident, which occurred in August 2024, compromised both personal employee data and sensitive company information. Over 2,600 individuals had their personal data exposed, including names and company email addresses. Game Freak apologized for the breach, stating, “We sincerely apologize for the great inconvenience and concern caused to all concerned parties.”
The leaks reveal substantial details about future Pokémon games, including codenames for the 10th generation Pokémon titles, identified as "K" and "N." These games are reportedly set to be released on both the Nintendo Switch and its upcoming successor, codenamed "Ounce." Another game, "Synapse," is rumored to be co-developed with another studio and is speculated to be a Pokémon MMO, marking a potential major shift in the franchise's direction.
In addition to these game details, the leaks include source code for past titles such as Pokémon HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black 2, and White 2, as well as character art and assets for both games and the anime series. Notably, meeting notes that discuss key decisions about Pokémon game development and the conclusion of Ash's storyline in the anime have also surfaced.
While Game Freak has taken steps to reinforce their security measures, neither Nintendo nor The Pokémon Company has issued official comments regarding the leaks. Fans and industry experts alike are watching closely to see how these developments impact the future of the Pokémon franchise.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ