Game Freak, the company behind the massively popular copyright strikes for anything that tries to copy their Pokemon franchise, is reeling from an unprecedented data leak. It shocked many and attracted a lot people at the same time.
This enormous breach, dubbed a “gigaleak,” reportedly contains multiple gigabytes of sensitive internal data, including source code for beloved Pokémon games like HeartGold and SoulSilver. The scale and scope of the leak have led some to suggest that the term “teraleak” would be more appropriate due to the sheer volume of information. Not only does this leak delve deep into the company’s past projects, but it also reveals intriguing details about unannounced and cancelled games, including a multiplayer title developed in collaboration with ILCA, and even sheds light on the codename for Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2.
Game Freak being hacked and leaked their resources is not the first time happened in the gaming industry this year. Earlier in 2024, Insomniac, the first-party developer from Sony, suffered the same. Leaked their all-incoming and cancelled project; even people can play the unofficial version of Marvel Spider-Man 2 on PC.
But later, Game Freak posted their announcement.
According to a statement published on their website on 10th October 2024, the breach took place in August 2024, leading to unauthorized access to the personal information of more than 2500 past and present employees. in its statement, Game Freak expressed deep regret that personal information was compromised due to this “unauthorized access” by a third party. The company made it clear that full names and contact information for over 2500 individuals, including both past and present employees as well as contractors, were exposed.
Significant Data Dump: From Cancelled Games to Switch 2’s Codename
According to insiders, such as the trusted Pokémon information outlet CentroLeaks, this data leak contains a staggering amount of information. The leak reportedly exposes scrapped games, early-stage projects, and internal discussions at Game Freak, all of which are of immense interest to the gaming community. One of the most fascinating revelations is the discovery of a “Splatoon-like” multiplayer game, which was apparently being developed in collaboration with ILCA, the studio behind the Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remakes. However, this project was allegedly shelved before reaching the public.
Equally surprising is the information regarding Nintendo’s upcoming console, widely referred to by fans as the Switch 2. According to the leak, Game Freak has been using the codename “Ounce” to refer to the new console in its internal documentation. While details about the actual hardware remain scarce, this codename has sent ripples through the gaming community as speculation about the next-generation system intensifies.
Leaked Pokémon Movie Plans: Live-Action Trilogy and Detective Pikachu Sequel
The leaked documents don’t stop at games alone. They also reveal plans for a live-action movie trilogy, which has stunned fans of the franchise. While the first two films are reportedly centered around the immensely successful Detective Pikachu movie, the third film, intriguingly titled Game Boy, appears to be a unique and thought-provoking story. This film is said to explore the boundless potential of Pokémon, focusing on the bonds between Pokémon and their trainers, as well as the friendships they foster in the human world. This thematic focus on relationships between trainers and Pokémon is expected to resonate deeply with fans who have grown up with the franchise’s message of connection and teamwork.
Additionally, the complete plotline for the Detective Pikachu sequel has reportedly been included in the leak. Titled The Great Detective Pikachu, the movie was initially set for a 2024 release, but it remains unclear whether production delays or potential cancellations have altered its timeline. With the original Detective Pikachu being a major box office hit, fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of this sequel’s status.
Ash Ketchum’s Farewell: Internal Notes on Ending the Iconic Character’s Journey
Perhaps one of the most emotionally charged elements of the leak involves internal meeting notes from The Pokémon Company that discuss the decision to end Ash Ketchum’s long-running story in the Pokémon anime. Ash, the franchise’s beloved protagonist for over two decades, has been the face of the anime since its inception. The leaked documents allegedly reveal the company’s reflections on why it was time to conclude Ash’s journey and pass the torch to new characters.
The reasoning behind this decision is thought to be multifaceted, reflecting a desire to refresh the series with new protagonists and new adventures, while still honoring Ash’s monumental legacy. Fans have long speculated about Ash’s departure, and these leaked notes give us a rare glimpse into the thought process behind this monumental shift in the Pokémon world.
What the Gigaleak Could Mean for Future Pokémon Titles
This leak appears to be only the tip of the iceberg. CentroLeaks and other insiders suggest that there is more information yet to be uncovered, with ongoing leaks expected in the coming hours and days. The scale of this breach, combined with the level of detail already revealed, has drawn comparisons to the infamous Rockstar Games GTA VI leak in 2022, which similarly revealed a treasure trove of internal files and data.
Among the many files leaked are source codes for classic Pokémon games, beta content, and concept art that offer a behind-the-scenes look at Game Freak’s development process over the years. This includes everything from early sketches of iconic Pokémon characters to development notes on gameplay mechanics. While much of this content is still being parsed by the community, it’s clear that this gigaleak will continue to be a significant topic of discussion in the gaming world.