Pokemon developer Game Freak hacked, massive amounts of stolen data leaked online

The developer behind the Pokemon video games has reportedly been hit with a massive hack resulting in gigabytes of stolen data leaking online.

Game Freak, the Japanese developer behind the popular Pokemon video games, has reportedly been hit with a massive hack resulting in gigabytes of stolen data leaking online.

The leaked data includes source code for various past and upcoming games, future project details as well as beta Pokemon designs that were never used, Nintendo Life reports.

It also reportedly reveals the codenames for Nintendo’s unannounced next-generation Switch 2 console, “Ounce”, the unannounced 10th generation Pokemon game — the next game in the main series — dubbed “Gaia”, as well as “Synapse”, described as an unreleased online multiplayer Pokemon game being co-developed with another studio.

Pokemon developer Game Freak has suffered a massive hack. Picture: Nintendo

Other leaked information relates to movie and TV projects, including a reported planned sequel to Ryan Reynolds’ Detective Pikachu.

The data reportedly began leaking online on Saturday on Discord and 4chan, drawing comparisons to the 2018 Nintendo “Gigaleak” that saw information including source codes and design files for the company’s consoles published by hackers.

“Yeah this is a nuclear grade leak,” one X user wrote. “Switch 2 code name, DS beta builds, unreleased games, source code. 4chan anon is a wanted man holy f**k.”

Game Freak issued a statement dated October 10 confirming it suffered a data breach in August 2024 after a third party gained “unauthorised access” to its server.

Game Freak jointly owns the Pokemon brand. Picture: JUE/European Pressphoto Agency

The company said it had discovered “personal information of employees and others was leaked”, including the names and email addresses of 2606 current and former employees and contractors.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and concern caused to all involved,” the Japanese-language statement said, per Nintendo Everything.

Game Freak said it was contacting the affected employees individually and that it had taken steps to prevent further security breaches.

“We have already rebuilt and inspected the server, and will strive to prevent recurrence by further strengthening our security measures,” it said.

The statement did not mention the data that appears to have leaked online since.

Game Freak is the main developer of the Pokemon games which rocketed to worldwide success on the Nintendo Game Boy nearly three decades ago.

The company jointly owns the Pokemon brand with Nintendo and Creatures.

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