Professor Layton Was Supposed to End Until Nintendo Stepped In

Professor Layton's Return: A New Adventure Fueled by Nintendo

Get ready for a new Professor Layton adventure! Thanks to a push from Nintendo, the beloved puzzle-solving professor is back after a nearly decade-long absence. LEVEL-5's CEO sheds light on the decision to revive this popular franchise.

The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Prowess Continues

Following the release of Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, LEVEL-5 initially considered the series concluded. However, a significant push from Nintendo ("Company 'N'") convinced them to revisit the steampunk world of Professor Layton. LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino revealed this at Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, stating that Nintendo's influence played a key role in the development of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

Nintendo's involvement is unsurprising given their strong historical connection to the franchise, which saw immense success on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo's publishing of many Layton titles and recognition of the series as a DS flagship contributed to their desire for a sequel. Hino noted that the positive feedback encouraged the creation of a new game leveraging the capabilities of modern consoles.

A Glimpse into Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

Set a year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam reunites Professor Layton and Luke Triton in the vibrant American city of Steam Bison. This new adventure involves a mysterious "ghost gunslinger," Gunman King Joe, adding a thrilling element to the classic puzzle-solving gameplay.

The game promises a fresh batch of challenging puzzles, created in collaboration with QuizKnock, a renowned puzzle-making team. This partnership aims to address the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which deviated from the series' core focus.

For a deeper dive into the gameplay and story of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, be sure to check out our related article!