Nintendo's Intervention Revives Professor Layton Series

Professor Layton Returns: A New Adventure Fueled by Nintendo's Support

Professor Layton, the renowned puzzle-solving professor, is back for a new adventure, and Nintendo played a key role in making it happen. Read on to discover what LEVEL-5's CEO revealed about the long-awaited sequel.

The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Journey Continues

Nintendo's Encouragement Brings Back the Beloved Series

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton is making a triumphant return, thanks in large part to a certain influential gaming company. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5, the developers behind the acclaimed puzzle-adventure series, shared insights into the decision-making process that led to the announcement of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

In a conversation with Yuji Horii, creator of the Dragon Quest series, at TGS 2024, LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino explained that while they considered the prequel, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, a fitting conclusion, the significant influence of "Company ‘N’" (widely understood to be Nintendo) spurred the studio to revisit the steampunk world of Professor Layton.

Hino stated, according to AUTOMATON, that after almost ten years without a new title, and following what was initially perceived as the series finale, a strong push from "Company ‘N’" convinced them to create a new game.

Given Nintendo's close ties to the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, their involvement is unsurprising. Nintendo not only published numerous Professor Layton titles but also holds the series in high regard as a flagship DS exclusive.

Hino added that, inspired by this encouragement, he believed a new game would allow fans to experience the series at the highest quality, leveraging the capabilities of the latest consoles.

A Glimpse into Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

Set one year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam reunites Professor Layton and his apprentice, Luke Triton, in Steam Bison, a vibrant American city powered by steam technology. They'll tackle a new mystery involving Gunman King Joe, a "ghost gunslinger" lost to the relentless march of progress, as revealed in the game's trailer.

The game will uphold the series' tradition of challenging puzzles, this time crafted with the assistance of QuizKnock, a team known for its innovative brain teasers. This collaboration is particularly exciting for fans, following the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which featured Layton's daughter, Katrielle, and a shift in the series' focus.

Learn more about the gameplay and story of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam in our related article!