Pokémondeveloper Game Freak has been the target of a massive data breach asthe so-called “Teraleak” sheds light on dozens of previous releases and provides some unexpected information on future projects. Game Freak is no stranger to major leaks but the latest incident may just be the biggest to have ever hit the studio as masses of data makes its way across the internet. No further information about the hack, including those responsible, has been shared, leaving players to dig into the data and glean some insight intoPokémon’s future.
PerKotaku, the biggest reveals in the “Teraleak” include confirmation thatPokémon Legends Z-Ais targeting a 2025 release after being internally delayed out of 2024. Several mentions of the Generation 10 games, codenamed “Gaia” are made in connection with the Nintendo Switch 2 which sports its own codename of “Ounce.“There are also notes of an announced spinoff with the codename “Synapse"and seemingly confirmation that a sequel to theDetective Pikachumovie is in development alongside another live-action project; As with all leaks, a grain of salt is recommended until Nintendo or Game Freak makes any official announcements.
The Biggest Leak In Pokémon History?
It’s Difficult To Think Of A Bigger One
An unfortunate trend for Game Freak, the studio seems to constantly be battling data leaks asmost modernPokémongames tend to have a great deal of their information shared ahead of their release. Having said that, a breach of this scale is unprecedented as it not only reveals what’s in development but sheds some valuable light on the company’s storied past. Enthusiasts have already called attention to the fact that the source code for belovedremakesHeart GoldandSoul Silverwere included in the leak, granting an unprecedented level of insight into both games.
Game Freak and Nintendo are known for being especially cagey when it comes to the development of their projects, so any kind ofpeek behind the curtain is interesting. Unfortunately,it’s come through a malicious data breach that’s included the theft of several employees' informationso one has to hope that the notoriously litigious Nintendo can track down the cause of the hack. Hopefully, something can be done to help those impacted by the leak.
Will Pokémon Legends: Z-A Take Place In The Past Or Future?
The next title in the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, could take place in the past or the future, and there’s evidence to support both.
Screen Rant’s Take: Interesting Insight Obtained Criminally
It’s A Difficult Situation For Everyone
As a lifelongPokémonfan, seeing some of the information on previous games is undoubtedly interesting butsince it was achieved through something as malicious as a hack, my heart goes out to Game Freak. Leaks in the video game industry are difficult to cover since we know how careful studios are to keep their projects under wraps but at the end of the day, someone’s work has been taken without permission and shared online. I can only hope that Nintendo is able to trace the culprits behind the hack and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
