Layton Revived: Nintendo Rescues Beloved Puzzle Series

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

Professor Layton's Puzzle-Solving Continues

Nintendo's Encouragement Brings Back the Beloved Professor

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 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 satisfying conclusion, Nintendo's influence proved pivotal. Hino stated that Nintendo's strong encouragement spurred the development of a new game.

According to AUTOMATON, Hino explained that the series had concluded, but significant industry figures, specifically referencing "Company ‘N’" (widely understood to be Nintendo), strongly advocated for a new installment. This support was instrumental in bringing Layton back.

This involvement is unsurprising, given Nintendo's long-standing relationship with the franchise. The series flourished on Nintendo DS and 3DS, with Nintendo publishing many titles and recognizing its significance as a DS exclusive.

Hino emphasized that the positive feedback led to the decision to create a new game, ensuring fans could enjoy the series' quality on a modern console.

A New Steam-Powered Mystery Awaits

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. A new mystery awaits, involving Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger, as hinted in the latest trailer.

The game retains its signature challenging puzzles, this time enhanced by QuizKnock, a renowned puzzle-creation team. This collaboration aims to address the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which featured Layton's daughter.

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