Professor Layton Was Supposed to End Until Nintendo Stepped In

Professor Layton is back! A new adventure awaits, and we have Nintendo to thank for making it happen. Find out what LEVEL-5's CEO revealed about the long-awaited sequel's development.

Professor Layton's Puzzle-Solving Continues

Nintendo's Encouragement Sparked a Revival

After a near decade-long absence, Professor Layton returns. And it seems a certain big-name gaming company played a crucial role. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5, the series' developer, shared the story behind 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 Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy felt like a satisfying conclusion, the influential "Company ‘N’" (widely understood to be Nintendo) encouraged a return to the steampunk world.

Hino stated (via AUTOMATON), "The series concluded, almost 10 years ago. But individuals within the industry really wanted a new game...we received significant encouragement from Company ‘N’."

Nintendo's involvement is unsurprising, given their close ties to the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo published many Layton titles and considers the series a key part of the DS's success.

Hino added, "Hearing this, I thought it would be great to create a new game, offering fans the quality they expect on a modern console."

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 Steam Bison, a vibrant American city powered by steam technology. They'll face a new mystery involving Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger.

The game retains its signature challenging puzzles, this time enhanced by QuizKnock, renowned puzzle creators. This collaboration is particularly exciting for fans following the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which starred Katrielle Layton.

Learn more about the gameplay and story in our detailed article!