Nintendo's Intervention Revives 'Professor Layton' Franchise

Professor Layton is back! A new adventure awaits, and Nintendo played a key role in making it happen. Find out what LEVEL-5's CEO revealed about the long-awaited sequel.

Professor Layton's Puzzle-Solving Continues

Nintendo's Influence on the Sequel

After a near decade-long absence, Professor Layton returns in Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. LEVEL-5, the game's developer, credits Nintendo for the sequel's creation. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino discussed the decision-making process with Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii.

Hino explained that while Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy felt like a satisfying conclusion, Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") strongly encouraged the studio to revisit the steampunk world. According to AUTOMATON, Hino stated the series had concluded, but a significant push from Nintendo prompted the new game's development.

This involvement is unsurprising given Nintendo's close ties to the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo published many Professor Layton titles and considers it a flagship DS exclusive.

Hino added that Nintendo's support inspired the creation of a new game that would meet the quality standards of modern consoles.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: A New Mystery

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 enigma involving Gunman King Joe, a gunslinger lost to time.

The game maintains the series' signature challenging puzzles, this time enhanced by QuizKnock, renowned puzzle creators. This collaboration is particularly exciting, especially considering the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which starred Katrielle Layton.

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