The iconic puzzle-solving gentleman Professor Layton is returning with magnifying glass in hand - a comeback made possible by Nintendo's persistence. Learn how LEVEL-5's CEO revealed Nintendo's crucial role in reviving this beloved franchise.
After nearly ten years without a new case, Professor Hershel Layton is finally donning his top hat again, thanks largely to Nintendo's influence. During Tokyo Game Show 2024, LEVEL-5 shared remarkable insights about Nintendo encouraging development of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam despite previous conclusions.
LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino explained to Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii that while Azran Legacy formed a "perfect" ending for the series, Nintendo representatives continuously advocated for Layton's return to gaming shelves.
"Nearly a decade passed without new adventures," Hino told AUTOMATON. "We believed the story reached completion... but persistent encouragement from key figures in the industry - particularly from an influential 'Company N' - convinced us to revisit the character."
Nintendo's deep franchise connection makes this intervention particularly meaningful - the games flourished across Nintendo DS and 3DS platforms, with Nintendo publishing several titles and recognizing Layton as a handheld system-defining franchise.
"After hearing these requests," Hino continued, "we realized we could create something special that meets modern console standards while honoring loyal fans."
Scheduled one year after Unwound Future's events, New World of Steam reunites Professor Layton with protégé Luke Triton in the industrialized city of Steam Bison. Their investigation of Gunman King Joe - described as "the spectral remnant of progress's casualties" - promises classic puzzling with modern refinements.
Partnering with renowned puzzle creators QuizKnock helps ensure challenging yet fair brain teasers, addressing criticisms of previous spin-off Layton's Mystery Journey while preserving the series' intellectual charm. This eagerly anticipated return to form honors Layton's legacy while exploring fresh steam-powered possibilities.
For deeper analysis of gameplay innovations and narrative mysteries, explore our comprehensive preview below!
LATEST ARTICLES 11
2025-10
Editor's note: La Quimera was originally scheduled for full release on April 25 but experienced an unexpected delay on launch day. A developer update on April 29 confirmed an Early Access release instead, though no specific date was given. While our
Author: PatrickReading:0
10
2025-10
Trinity Trigger Arrives on iOS and AndroidThe beloved JRPG Trinity Trigger has officially launched on mobile platforms, bringing its nostalgic 90s-inspired action gameplay to smartphones. Players can instantly switch between eight distinct weapon typ
Author: PatrickReading:2
10
2025-10
Acclaimed director Bong Joon Ho returns with Mickey 17, featuring Twilight and The Batman star Robert Pattinson in a thought-provoking sci-fi role. Pattinson plays an "expendable" worker - a disposable laborer repeatedly cloned after each fatal missi
Author: PatrickReading:2
10
2025-10
Puella Madoka Magica Magia Exedra will debut new character Ren IsuzuThis follows an overwhelmingly successful pre-registration campaign surpassing 500,000 sign-upsMagia Exedra revolutionizes the franchise as a fully 3D turn-based RPG experienceThe hi
Author: PatrickReading:2
