Tag: Game Freak
News Game Freak's Little Town Hero Big Idea Edition Launches Today
Or later this week in Europe
Following its initial delay, the Little Town Hero Big Idea Edition has today launched for Nintendo Switch in North America. Those in Europe will have to wait just a little longer until 26th June. The Big Idea Edition is a physical version of Pokémon developer Game Freak's small-scale RPG, coming with an artbook,...
News Game Freak Advertises 23 Job Roles For New Pokémon Games
Artists, programmers and more
Developer Game Freak is currently hiring for new staff who will work on future Pokémon projects, with a whopping 23 job positions being advertised online. The company is hoping to recruit new graphic designers, planners, technical artists, programmers and more as it looks to strengthen its core team. On social media...
News Employee At Pokémon Dev Game Freak Tests Positive For Coronavirus
A statement has been issued
Pokémon developer Game Freak has announced that an employee working in its Setagaya, Tokyo office has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The studio has issued a statement on the matter on its official website, noting that thanks to social distancing measures and as a result of staff working from home for the...
News Pokémon Staff Will 'Stay Connected' During Tokyo's Emergency Lockdown, Says Masuda
Encourages fans to stay home
Today, the Japanese government issued a state of emergency across its Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka prefectures, urging people to practice social distancing to fight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Junichi Masuda, director of Pokémon developer Game Freak, has now commented on the situation...
News Nintendo, Creatures And Game Freak Apply For Two New Trademarks In Japan
New Pokémon stuff on the way?
Nintendo Co., Ltd., Creatures Inc., and Game Freak Inc. have applied for two brand new trademarks in Japan, according to Japanese Nintendo. The trademarks are for 伝説の鼓動 (Densetsu no Kodou), which literally translates to 'The Legendary Heartbeat', and アメイジングレア, which translates to 'Amazing...
News NIS America Is Running A Reverse Cover Contest For Little Town Hero, Voting Now Open
The 'Big Idea Edition' arrives this June
In January, we found out Game Freak's Little Town Hero would be receiving a physical release on the Nintendo Switch this spring. Now, it's been confirmed the 'Big Idea Edition' will launch on 2nd June in North America, on 5th June in Europe, and on 12th June in Oceania. That's not all, though. As part of...
News Pokémon Developer Game Freak To Relocate To Same Area As Nintendo's New Tokyo Offices
Both will move to Kanda-Nishikicho
According to a new report, Pokémon developer Game Freak will join Nintendo in relocating to Kanda-Nishikicho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. Just last week, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa revealed that the company is currently planning to consolidate its four offices in Tokyo into one, presumably much larger office...
Random Why Pikachu Is No Longer As Chubby As It Once Was
The design was influenced by the anime, of course
When Pokémon first arrived on the Game Boy in 1996, Pikachu was illustrated as a plump electric rodent that looked far from agile. It wasn't until later on in the series, the face of the pocket monster franchise got an artistic makeover, making him slightly less chubby. What was the reason behind...
News The Pokémon Company Is Taking Legal Action Against Sword And Shield Leakers
It just needs to name them first
Update - Sat 14th Dec, 2019 03:30 GMT: The Pokémon Company has been given the green light to take further action against the leakers. The following update is via the PokéJungle Twitter account: The @Pokemon Company has been granted the ability to subpoena Discord and 4chan to unmask the identities of the leakers...
News Pokémon Sword And Shield's Online Features Will Be Down For Maintenance This Week
3 hours of behind-the-scenes tweaking on Wednesday or Thursday
The online part of Pokémon Sword and Shield will be temporarily interrupted this week on Wednesday or Thursday depending on your location, with planned maintenance and tweaking taking place. As spotted by Serebii.net, online features for the latest entry in the Pokémon series will be...
News Former Game Freak Illustrator Reveals He Designed The Legendary Pokémon In Sword And Shield
He also helped out with Marnie's look
Yusuke Ohmura might not necessarily be a household name like Shigeru Miyamoto or Junichi Masuda, but he's definitely made some significant contributions to the Pokémon video game series over the years. This former Game Freak illustrator started out on Pokémon Diamond & Pearl and contributed to various...
News Pokémon Designer Shares Special Artwork To Celebrate The Release Of Sword And Shield
"may your journey to Galar be a great one"
Pokémon designer and Sword and Shield art director James Turner – who recently came under fire for 'liking' a tweet that attacked disappointed Pokémon fans – has been sharing custom artwork leading up to the big release. Now that the new generation has launched on Switch (at least in most parts of...
And will base future decisions on those reactions
One exciting new aspect of the upcoming Switch releases Pokémon Sword and Shield is the 'Wild Area' – a vast and open bit of land connecting towns and containing many different Pokémon in their natural habitats. This same area also happens to make use of a free-moving camera, which is a first for...
News Social Media Bands Together To Show Pokémon Studio Game Freak Some Love
#ThankYouGameFreak
It's been a difficult period for Japanese developer Game Freak since the producer Junichi Masuda revealed the upcoming titles Pokémon Sword and Shield for Switch would feature a limited Pokédex. There's been backlash from fans, online leaks and a launch event in Japan was even recently cancelled due to operational reasons...
Feature Little Town Hero Director On Stepping Out Of Pokémon's Shadow
"RPGs are really time-consuming"
You could say that developer Game Freak has form when it comes to turn-based battlers - the makers of the Pokémon games have stewarded the largest RPG franchise on the planet for over two decades. Nice work if you can get it, although a never-ending cycle of Pocket Monster development can take its toll on a team...
News Game Freak Considered "Changing Up" The Battle System In Pokémon Sword And Shield
But wanted to express turn-based battles in the ultimate form
One staple of Pokémon is the turn-based battle gameplay. Without it, the series probably wouldn't have been as successful as it is today. While the upcoming releases Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch have incorporated a lot of new ideas, there were a few of them that didn't make...
Random Game Freak Had Plans For A Virtual Boy Title But Never Got Around To Making It
Pokémon Red?
Whenever the developer Game Freak is mentioned, you probably think about the mainline Pokémon video game series. That's not the only series it has worked on over the years, though. Little Town Hero is coming to the Switch later this month and there was a point in the Japanese company's history when it had an idea for a Virtual Boy...
News Junichi Masuda Says Cut Pokémon Will "Definitely" Return In Future Games
Gone but not forgotten
Earlier this year, Sword and Shield producer Junichi Masuda shocked the Pokémon community when he revealed some creatures would be left behind. After much backlash from fans, it resulted in him releasing an official statement, saying how it was a "very difficult decision" to make. He also explained at the time that if a...
News HMs Won't Be Returning In Pokémon Sword And Shield
"we didn’t feel it really matched the game"
Hidden Machines (HMs) used to be a major aspect of the Pokémon video game series, but it seems like Game Freak is doing away with this concept once and for all. After being replaced with summonable rides in the Sun and Moon series on 3DS, this time around – in Sword and Shield – "HM-based elements"...
Video Game Freak Introduces The Characters Of Little Town Hero
Not long to go now
Game Freak might be best known for the mainline Pokémon series, but it also likes to make other games. The next one on the way is the RPG Little Town Hero, previously known as 'Town'. With this digital-only release just around the corner, Game Freak has decided to upload a new clip, featuring all of the "attractive" characters...
News Game Freak To Host 30th Anniversary Celebration Stream Next Month
Hosted by Junichi Masuda
Pokémon developer Game Freak has revealed that it will be hosting a video stream to celebrate its 30th anniversary next month. The stream will be taking place on 16th October and will be aired on both Twitter and YouTube. Game Freak's very own Junichi Masuda will be present to take fans on a journey through the history of...
News Game Freak Trademark Hints At New Name For Switch RPG, Town
Working title no more?
Japanese game developer Game Freak, known as the primary developer of the Pokémon series, has applied for a new trademark in its home region. The trademark is for 'Little Town Hero', and covers both the English and Japanese (リトルタウンヒーロ) versions of that phrase. You can see the trademark for yourself below...
News Upcoming Patch For Pokémon: Let's Go Fixes Some Weird Bugs
Gotta patch it all
Update: The patch is now live. Although Game Freak is focused on its upcoming Switch release Pokémon Sword and Shield, it's still working on some minor fixes for last year's title, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! According to Serebii.net, an upcoming patch for the game will bring the title up to Version...
News Game Freak Prefers To "Implement New Things Fairly Gradually" In Pokémon
And it will "continue to do new things gradually"
Pokémon fans around the world have been dreaming about a vast open-world 3D entry in the series for far too long now. Just imagine an adventure in the style of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or even similar to the Level-5 title, Yo-Kai Watch 4. Returning to reality, Game Freak doesn't...
News A Sequel To Pokémon Snap Won't Happen Unless There's A "Very Unique Twist"
It's not going to happen in a snap
One of the most requested Pokémon games of all-time is a sequel to the 1999 Nintendo 64 title, Pokémon Snap. Will it ever happen, though? While fans have been hoping for a follow-up for two decades, according to Game Freak's Junichi Masuda, it's going to need a very unique twist. During an interview with Metro's...
News Junichi Masuda Releases Official Statement About Limiting Sword And Shield's Pokédex
"This was a very difficult decision"
During a Nintendo Treehouse Live segment at this year's E3, Game Freak producer Junichi Masuda shocked fans when he revealed Pokémon Sword and Shield would not include every pocket monster. Before this, long-time players were expecting to be able to catch 'em and even transfer 'em all. In an interview with US...
News Nintendo, Creatures And Game Freak Apply For 'Dynamax Band' Trademark In Japan
Increase the size of your Pokémon
One of the new features in Pokémon Sword and Shield is the "dynamax" ability – allowing trainers to transform their pocket monsters into giants on the battlefield for a short period of time. There are also raids in the game where you can fight alongside other players to defeat these overly large Pokémon. With...
News Nintendo, Creatures Inc And Game Freak Apply For 'Pokegenic' Trademark In Japan
Gotta trademark 'em all
Update: Serebii.net webmaster Joe Merrick has explained what exactly the 'Pokegenic' trademark is linked to over on Twitter. It's being used to highlight the photo spots at this year's Pikachu festival in Yokohama. Earlier this week, The Pokémon Company made four major announcements during its 2019 press conference. If...
News Introducing Pokémon Home, A New Cloud Service Compatible With Switch And Mobile Devices
No Pokémon gets left behind
Game Freak's Junichi Masuda took to the stage during the 2019 Press Conference to announce Pokémon HOME – a new cloud service compatible with the Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS and the existing Pokémon Bank service on the 3DS. It will arrive early next year and will allow trainers to transfer and trade pocket...
Reminder The Pokémon Company Is Hosting Its 2019 Press Conference
Gotta watch it all
Earlier this week, Nintendo announced a Pokémon Sword and Shield presentation would be taking place next week on 5th June. Alongside this announcement, The Pokémon Company revealed it would also host a press conference, covering a range of topics that will likely interest trainers far and wide. If you would like to watch the...
News Pokémon Direct Officially Confirmed For Next Week
Pokémon press conference also announced!
Nintendo has announced it will be hosting a Pokémon Direct live stream next week on 5th June for the upcoming Switch release, Pokémon Sword and Shield. The presentation will run for a total of 15 minutes. Just like the last presentation, this one will begin at 2pm GMT, so that's 6am PT / 9am ET / 3pm CET...
News Game Freak's Junichi Masuda Reflects On The Original Yoshi And Pokémon Games
A dose of nostalgia
Game Freak has shared a new video on its YouTube channel featuring director Junichi Masuda talking about the development of the original Pokémon games as well as the puzzle game Yoshi – also known as Mario & Yoshi in Europe and Yoshi's Egg in Japan. For starters, most people to this day still don't know the classic...
News Famitsu Shares New Screenshot Of The Battle System In Game Freak's Upcoming Switch RPG
Lovely stuff
Yesterday, we found out how Game Freak is attempting to create something "more exciting" than Pokémon in its upcoming Switch RPG, tentatively titled Town. Unfortunately, there's been little to no information about this new project since its
News Game Freak Is Trying To Create Something "More Exciting Than Pokémon"
Original projects taking priority to keep the team fresh
Game Freak, the makers of a little series of games known as Pokémon, is currently focusing on original projects rather than its flagship brand, according to game programmer and director Masayuki Onoue. Speaking with our friends over at Video Games Chronicle, Onoue gave details about how the...
News Pocket Card Jockey Dev Team Discuss The Chance Of A Sequel
Good odds
In 2016, Pokémon specialist Game Freak released Pocket Card Jockey on the 3DS. Beyond the cute graphics, the eShop title was a dangerously addictive combination of horse racing and solitaire. Here on Nintendo Life, we gave it seven out of ten stars and said it was worth a look. A series of interviews with the game's core members have now...
Random Did Game Freak Sneak The 'Loss' Meme Into Pokémon: Let's Go Pikachu And Eevee?
You've got to be kidding (update: they were)
Update: It's come to our attention that the image posted was fabricated, therefore the joke is firmly on us. Touche @luulubuu, you got us. Original Story: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! have been available on Nintendo Switch for four whole months now, dividing the fanbase with more...
News Armoured Mewtwo Trademarked In Japan
Preparing for battle
Following the reveal of Pokémon Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch during last week's Pokémon Direct, it's been discovered Nintendo, Game Freak and Creatures Inc. filed a trademark in Japan for Armoured Mewtwo earlier on in the same month. The trademark covers videogames, merchandising and events. If you keep up with...
News Game Freak Thanks Pokémon Fans For Continued Support Over The Past 23 Years
"We as a company are deeply moved by this day"
The reveal of Pokémon Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch also marks 23 years since the release of Red and Green on the Game Boy in Japan. One company that's been along for the ride since the very beginning is Game Freak. Without it, who knows if the pocket monster franchise would have lasted for...
News Game Freak Director Junichi Masuda Thanks Pokémon Fans For Their Continued Support
"Everyone's support made a day like today possible"
Today is a pretty big day for Pokémon fans. Not only are we mere hours away from a Pokémon Direct at the time of writing, which looks set to reveal the next generation of games in the series, but today also marks the 23rd anniversary of the franchise. Yes, on this very day 23 years ago, Pokémon...
News Pokémon Developer Game Freak Opens Its Own Twitter And YouTube Accounts
In 2018...
Game Freak, the Japanese video game developer best known for the ridiculously popular Pokémon series, has now opened its very own Twitter and YouTube accounts. The studio already has a rarely-used Facebook page, but it appears that these new social media platforms are set to be used on a much more frequent basis. Game Freak's first ever...
News Nintendo, Creatures Inc And Game Freak Register "Monpoké" Trademark
What could it be?
As we wait for the release of Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! next month, it looks as if Nintendo, Creatures Inc and Game Freak are already focused on the future. Japanese Nintendo reports that the three parties have applied for a new trademark known as “Monpoké” in Japan. You can take a look at the first...
News A Brand New RPG From The Creators Of Pokémon Is Coming To Switch
With the working title of 'Town'
A surprise announcement came during today's Nintendo Direct where Game Freak, world-renowned for their development of the main series Pokémon titles, revealed Town, a new RPG coming to Nintendo Switch in 2019. Set entirely in a small village under rule of a castle, this new RPG explores the aftermath of invading...
News Game Freak Director Discusses Evolution of Pokémon Designs
"Treating them like living creatures"
Game Freak Director and Pokémon series developer Junichi Masuda has been speaking about the design process in creating Pokémon, and how this has changed over the years since the games' inception. Pokémon has always been praised for its wide variety of designs, taking things as...
Feature The Nindie Christmas Celebration - Pocket Card Jockey
Giddyup
If there was ever a game to represent this most cruel, brilliant, and baffling of years, Pocket Card Jockey is it. Game Freak's most recent non-Pokémon venture makes little sense: You're a horseracing jockey, but really you're a Solitaire player... but really you're an animal husbandry novice. That this strange brew of strategy, quick...
Video Get Comfy for this Hour-Long Pokémon Sun & Moon Discussion with GameXplain
Alex gets to flex his talking muscles for once
We at Nintendo Life are very typical gamers in the sense that we love to talk the hind legs off anyone who'll listen when it comes to video games, so naturally when the lovely chaps over at GameXplain invited this floppy-haired video diva over to their channel to natter about Pokémon Sun & Moon, we...
News Check Out Giga Wrecker, a New Puzzle Platformer from Game Freak
Just on Steam for now
Though Game Freak is obviously most well-known for the work it's done on the Pokémon series, the company occasionally likes to dabble in making something else, with games such Drill Dozer, HarmoKnight, and Tembo the Badass Elephant. That last one bizarrely never saw a release on Nintendo platforms, and it seems that could...
News Pokémon Developer Game Freak Acquires Smartphone Development Studio Koa Games
Game Freak evolves again
There can be a perception that Game Freak = Pokémon and not much else, but that's certainly not the case. It may be the core developer of an IP prized by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, but Game Freak is a business that has become increasingly independent in recent years. The company self-published HarmoKnight on the...
Video Take A Drip Down Memory Lane With Game Freak's Second Game, Jerry Boy
Or Smart Ball, if you had the misfortune of playing the American version
Game Freak may be most famous for the Pokémon series, but the company's history goes back a little further than that. Back when the firm was still learning the ropes, it released the platform title Jerry Boy on the Super Famicom. A cute and cuddly romp through a colourful...
At least for now
It's fair to say, the recent announcement of TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT for every digital platform but the eShop has outraged Nintendo fans. When the SEGA and Game Freak collaboration was teased last week, we even alluded to the idea that Nintendo systems were in with a chance of receiving this latest title given the close...
News Game Freak and Sega Tease a Collaboration, with a Reveal Due on 11th March
Be prepared for it to be a smartphone game
When Nintendo fans hear the developer name Game Freak, they likely think of Pokémon; yet while that iconic brand is under the ownership of Nintendo, Game Freak itself is an independent company. Its continual focus is undoubtedly on the next mainline 'mon title, but the studio has also worked on other...
