Professor Layton's End Averted by Nintendo Intervention

Professor Layton is back! A new adventure is on the horizon, and it's all thanks to a nudge from Nintendo. Discover the story behind the long-awaited sequel's development.

Professor Layton's Puzzle-Solving Legacy Continues

Nintendo's Encouragement Fuels a New Chapter

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton returns in Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. LEVEL-5, the series' developer, credits Nintendo for making this comeback possible.

At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino revealed that while the team considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a fitting conclusion, Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") strongly encouraged a new entry.

According to AUTOMATON, Hino stated, "The series concluded briefly, almost 10 years ago. But individuals within the industry, particularly from ‘Company N’, really wanted a new game… they strongly pushed us."

This support is unsurprising given Nintendo's close ties to the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo published many Layton titles and views the series as a key success for those platforms.

Hino explained, "Hearing their opinions, I realized a new game, leveraging the capabilities of the latest consoles, would allow fans to experience the series at its best."

Exploring 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 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 time.

The game retains the series' signature challenging puzzles, this time crafted in collaboration with QuizKnock, renowned puzzle creators. This partnership is especially welcome after Layton's Mystery Journey, starring Katrielle, received mixed reactions due to its altered focus.

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