Nintendo Revives Professor Layton Franchise

Professor Layton is back! A new adventure awaits, and Nintendo played a key role in making it happen. Discover the story behind the long-awaited sequel.

Professor Layton's Puzzle-Solving Legacy 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 revealed that while the team considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a fitting conclusion, Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") encouraged them to revisit the steampunk world.

Hino stated (via AUTOMATON) that the series was briefly concluded, but significant industry figures, particularly from Nintendo, strongly advocated for a new installment. This support was crucial in the decision to develop the new game.

This involvement isn't surprising, given Nintendo's close relationship with the franchise. The series flourished on Nintendo DS and 3DS, with Nintendo publishing many titles and recognizing the series as a DS highlight. Hino emphasized that the positive feedback spurred the development of a new game to deliver a high-quality experience on the latest console.

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

Set one 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 face a new mystery involving Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger.

The game retains the series' signature brain-teasing puzzles, enhanced by collaboration with QuizKnock, a renowned puzzle-creation team. This partnership aims to address criticism of Layton's Mystery Journey, which featured Layton's daughter and received mixed reviews 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!