Game Freak has officially announced the confirmation of a massive data breach. The company acknowledged being the latest victim and says that their server was illegally accessed with 2,606 cases of current, former, and contract employee names and email addresses.
This week, a terabyte of stolen content has started emerging online, including the codenames for unannounced 10th-generation Pokémon games and even the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
The codename for Nintendo’s next-gen console is reported as “Ounce”, and the codename of the unannounced 10th generation Pokémon game is reported as “Gaia”. And the codename of the announced Pokémon Legends: Z-A is “Ikkaku”.
Codenames for two versions of the 10th generation Pokémon game are part of the leak (“K” and “N”). This may relate to Nintendo’s intention to release it for both the Switch and its successor as a cross-gen title. Nintendo Life says, “Ounce” is mentioned as the target platform.
A spin-off Pokémon game code-named “Synapse” is also the talk of the town. It’s said to be a joint project with another studio, and there’s a rumor that it’s a Pokémon-themed online game.
Furthermore, source code for DS titles Pokémon HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black 2, and White 2 has reportedly leaked, resulting in stolen unused assets for Pokémon and even game music emerging online.
The hefty amount of leaks that are pouring out online, might slip more fake leaks with the legitimate leaks. This is a really unfortunate situation for the Japanese video game developer.
In amidst all this, Game Freak released an official statement apologizing to all those who were affected by the data breach and insisted the vulnerability at the heart of the hack was since rebuilt.
