Pokemon developer Game Freak hit with hack, internal info leaking

Game Freak, the main developer of Pokemon, appears to have been hit with a significant hack. As a result, source code for various games, behind-the-scenes information, and more has started to leak online.

Thus far we know that source code for Pokemon Heart Gold / Soul Silver and Black 2 / White 2 have surfaced. A few codenames are also popping up, including “Gaia” – which is apparently what Gen 10 is going by internally. Speaking of which, the new gen is apparently being developed for “Ounce”, which supposedly confirms Switch 2’s codename. And for those curious, “Ikkaku” is the codename for Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Another interesting codename is Synapse. We’re not quite sure what this is, but there are reports of it being an unreleased multiplayer battle title, with some describing it as a PvP or MMO game. ILCA, who worked on Pokemon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl, is apparently involved with this project.

Today’s Game Freak Pokemon hack is reminiscent of the Nintendo leak, or “Gigaleak”, that started in 2018 and was also prominent in 2020. That included information about the company’s past consoles, prototypes of games, and other internal data. Pokemon was even a part of it all as the 1997 Nintendo Space World demos for Pokemon Gold and Silver leaked and we got a look at early creature designs. 

As for today’s Game Freak hack, the situation is very much developing. We’ll keep you updated as we hear more.

Thanks to 3clipse_tt for today’s news.

Update: We have a few more tidbits. First, Synapse has now been described as a “Splatoon-like game”, but it’s unclear what that means at present. Pokemon Legends: Z-A is already finished (or at least a build of it) and seems to be a normal Switch game. Gen 10 is Switch 2 right now with the two versions K and N, and while there’s been some conflicting information, it appears that the game is at least being tested for the current Switch as well.

Update 2: Beta versions of Lickilicky, Kricketune, Skuntank, Shaymin, Rotom, Arceus, Giratina, Honchkrow, and Porygon-Z have emerged. You can find those below. Note that more are coming in and the gallery below will be automatically updated.

Plus unused music for Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver:

Update 3: The Pokemon leaks are continuing, now for Gen 5. Here’s a look at some beta designs:

Update 4: And now it’s time for Gen 3 (plus more). Once again, here’s a look:

Update 5 (10/13): The latest update cover movie and anime news, plus latest beta designs.

• Pokemon Movie 24 has the codename “Bauer”, has been having issues and was originally planned for 2023; intended to be a reboot of the movie universe to reconnect with lapsed fans, and get more adults on board; takes place in modern Kanto and features Mew plus new protagonists Light and Akari (male / female); covers problems in modern society such as cyber bullying and suicide; directed by Kobun Shizuno (Detective Conan); seems to include Pokemon Buddy: Aperon (A New Pokémon)
• All-ages Pokemon anime with the codename “Reload”; co-produced with Twin Engine (TE), a planning and production company affiliated with Studio Colorido (A Whisker Away); 12 episodes (4 groups, 3 episodes each) that are 21 minutes long over a year on streaming platforms; theatrical release in Japan, simultaneous with the start of streaming; planned for 2023, status unclear
• Live-action movie series was planned; “Game Boy” aims to dig deep into the theme of Pokemon’s boundless potential, creating a story that highlights the importance of bonds, whether between friends or between Pokémon themselves; may seem like a simple story at first glance, but by showcasing unexpected situations such as the moments when bonds are broken or how one overcomes trauma, it brings out its unique flavor.
• Detective Pikachu movie sequel (The Great Detective Pikachu) was planned for this year, but unclear if it’s still in the works
• Pokemon Legends: Z-A was planned for Winter 2024, but was postponed; will likely include Mega Zygarde and Mega Zeraora since these 2 Pokemon were already designed for the anime