Pokemon Developer, Game Freak, Hacked With Source Codes Leaked Online

Game Freak, the primary developer of the Pokémon series, has reportedly suffered a major hack, leading to the leak of various game source codes, internal details, and other confidential information.

So far, the source code for Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver and Black 2/White 2 has emerged online. Several project codenames have also been revealed, such as "Gaia," which is said to refer to the upcoming Generation 10. The next generation is apparently being developed under the codename "Ounce," which seems to confirm the Switch 2's internal name. Additionally, "Ikkaku" is the codename associated with Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Another intriguing codename is "Synapse." While its exact nature is unclear, reports suggest it could be an unreleased multiplayer battle game, possibly with PvP or MMO elements. The project is said to involve ILCA, the studio that worked on Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.

The Game Freak hack echoes the Nintendo "Gigaleak" that began in 2018 and gained attention in 2020, which exposed details about past consoles, game prototypes, and other internal data. That leak also featured Pokémon content, such as the 1997 Nintendo Space World demos for Pokémon Gold and Silver, revealing early creature designs.