Unknown hackers gained unauthorized access to a large amount of data from Game Freak, the studio behind the Pokémon franchise. Among the leaked data are:

  • Personal details of both former and current Game Freak employees, including full names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
  • Hundreds of confidential documents and files.
  • Sprites and other assets from various Pokémon games.
  • Internal communications between company executives.
  • Source codes related to Pokémon games.
  • The original description of the Pokémon universe.
  • Early work for future Game Freak projects, including some data about an online Pokémon game.
  • Information about an animated film and live-action Pokémon series from Netflix.
  • A pitch for a sequel to Pokémon Detective Pikachu.
  • The code name for the Nintendo Switch 2 — Ounce.

Additionally, 1,962 concept art pieces from the anime series, which first aired in 1997, have also surfaced.

Game Freak has apologized for the data breach. So far, the company has only confirmed the theft of confidential employee information. However, large archives of studio data have indeed appeared online. The game community is calling this the largest leak in franchise history. It remains unclear how this will impact future projects. 

Main image: alphacoders.com

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