Over the weekend, it started to be reported that Pokemon developer Game Freak suffered a massive data breach. This data breach reportedly included details and information on employees, details on the 10th generation Pokemon games, and even some information on the still as of yet unannounced Nintendo Switch 2.
The next-gen Nintendo console is, according to information shared through Nintendo Life, codenamed "Ounce." The codename of the also unannounced 10th generation Pokemon game is "Gaia." The codename of the announced next Pokemon title, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, is Ikkaku.
That 10th-gen Pokemon game is reportedly in development for "Ounce" or the Nintendo Switch 2.
Another Pokemon game, codenamed "Synapse," was mentioned in the leak. This unannounced title is apparently being co-developed with another game studio. Some believe this to be some sort of a Pokemon MMO.
Source code for older Nintendo DS titles such as Pokemon HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black 2, and White 2 were also included in the leak.
The leak also includes some plot details on an unreleased Detective Pikachu sequel. It was going to be called The Great Detective Pikachu and it would have been directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts. There was also a bit about more live-action Pokemon movies.
Details on employees and contract workers were also stolen. Reportedly some of the personal information taken in this theft include employee names and company email addresses.
Perhaps the oddest and most disturbing thing leaked were some developer "lore" writings where Pokemon and humans had sexual relationships (sometimes nonconsensual) with each other. Trust me when I say that you probably don't want to read through them. I wish I hadn't. And yes, the image chosen for this article is very related to this particular point.
Game Freak issued a statement (PDF in Japanese) confirming the hack on their servers and theft of data.
Notice and apology regarding the leak of personal information following unauthorized access
Game Freak Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Satoshi Tajiri; hereinafter referred to as “our company”) has discovered that personal information of employees and others was leaked in connection with unauthorized access to our server by a third party in August 2024. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused to all involved.
1. Leaked personal information
Personal data regarding our employees, etc.
Items: Name, company email address
Number of items: 2,606,
*Our employees and contract workers (including former employees and ex-employees)
2. Responses to individuals whose personal information has been leaked
We are contacting the affected employees individually. For those who cannot be contacted individually due to resignation or other reasons, we will notify them through this announcement and set up a contact point to respond to inquiries regarding this matter.
3. Measures to prevent recurrence
We have already rebuilt and inspected the server, and will strive to prevent recurrence by further strengthening our security measures.
Game Freak Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Satoshi Tajiri; hereinafter referred to as “our company”) has discovered that personal information of employees and others was leaked in connection with unauthorized access to our server by a third party in August 2024. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused to all involved.
1. Leaked personal information
Personal data regarding our employees, etc.
Items: Name, company email address
Number of items: 2,606,
*Our employees and contract workers (including former employees and ex-employees)
2. Responses to individuals whose personal information has been leaked
We are contacting the affected employees individually. For those who cannot be contacted individually due to resignation or other reasons, we will notify them through this announcement and set up a contact point to respond to inquiries regarding this matter.
3. Measures to prevent recurrence
We have already rebuilt and inspected the server, and will strive to prevent recurrence by further strengthening our security measures.
