Over the weekend, hackers leaked some data from Game Freak, the studio that develops the main Pokémon video games, including personal information about employees. Game Freak confirmed the security flaw in a press releaseattributing it to “unauthorized access to our servers by a third party”, the incident dating back to August 2024. But the incident would be more serious than announced.

Sensitive Pokémon data in the wild

The company revealed that approximately 2,600 pieces of personal information were leaked, including employee names and company email addresses. However, it appears that the breach does not only concern employee data. Users of Reddit and other people on claim to have found source code from old games, unused Pokémon designs, and other content that was discarded during development. Some reports also report limited information on future projects, including code names for upcoming games, but none on mobile a priori to succeed Pokémon Go.

(Games)
Pokémon Legends: ZA:

  • Originally planned for 2024
  • Will include Mega Zygarde, Mega Zeraora
  • In development for the current Switch

Pokémon Gaia (code name):

  • Generation 10
  • Two versions: K and N (Japanese names)
  • The main theme will be the exploration of an island in an archipelago
  • In development for Switch 2, but a version for Switch 1 is also being tested.

Pokémon Synapse (code name):

  • New multiplayer Pokémon game
  • Collaboration between ILCA and Game Freak
  • Has been described as a Splatoon-like
  • NOT an MMO

(Television and cinema)

Bauer project:

  • Movie 24
  • In development since 2021, current status unclear
  • It will be a new beginning for the film universe, with a new protagonist.
  • Taking place in Kanto, only the original 151 Pokémon will appear
  • The main Mythic of the film will be Mew
  • Directed by Kobun Shizuno

Reload project:

  • New Original TV Anime
  • 12 episodes of 21 minutes
  • Hosted by Studio Colorido
  • In development since at least 2022, current status uncertain

The Great Detective Pikachu:

  • Sequel to the Detective Pikachu movie
  • In development since 2021
  • Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts
  • Current status uncertain, unknown if it has been canceled

Discovery Project:

  • Netflix live-action
  • 8 episodes for the first season, up to 5 seasons are planned
  • No further details available

So far, there have been no direct leaks reported regarding other companies associated with Pokémon, such as Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and The Pokémon Company.

Game Freak’s statement, dated October 10 but posted on the 13th, said the server has been secured and the company is implementing additional security measures.

Here is the official press release:

October 10, 2024


Game Freak Inc.


Notice and apology regarding leak of personal information due to unauthorized access


Game Freak Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Satoshi Tajiri, hereinafter referred to as “the Company”) has discovered that the personal information of our employees and others has been disclosed as a result of unauthorized access. licensed to our server by a third party in August 2024.


We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and concern this may have caused to all parties involved.


  • Personal information disclosed


Personal data concerning our employees, etc.*


Elements: Name, professional email address


Number of cases: 2,606


*Our employees, contract workers (including designated G employees and former employees)


  • Response for individuals whose personal information has been confirmed as disclosed


We contact affected employees individually, etc.


For those who cannot be contacted individually due to resignations, etc., we will notify them with this notice and set up a helpline to handle requests for information regarding this matter.


  • Measures to avoid recurrence


We have already rebuilt and re-inspected our servers, but we will work to prevent any recurrence by further strengthening our security measures.


  • Inquiries regarding this matter


Inquiries from those affected by this matter can be directed via the helpline below.

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A huge data leak among Pokémon developers

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