Professor Layton Was Supposed to End Until Nintendo Stepped In

Professor Layton's Return: A New Adventure Fueled by Nintendo

Professor Layton is back! After a near decade-long absence, the renowned puzzle-solving professor is embarking on a brand-new adventure, and we have Nintendo to thank. This long-awaited sequel's development was revealed at Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024.

LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino shared that while the team considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a fitting conclusion to the series, Nintendo's encouragement spurred a return to the steampunk world. Hino stated (via AUTOMATON) that a significant push from "Company ‘N’" (widely understood to be Nintendo) influenced the decision to create a new game.

This isn't surprising, given Nintendo's close relationship with the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo published many Layton titles and considers the series a DS highlight. Hino explained that this industry feedback inspired the creation of a new game, aiming to deliver the same high quality on modern consoles.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam takes place a year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future. Professor Layton and his apprentice, Luke Triton, find themselves in Steam Bison, a vibrant American city powered by steam technology. Their new investigation involves Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger lost to time.

The game maintains the series' 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 shifted focus to Layton's daughter. This new adventure promises a return to form for fans. Learn more about the gameplay and story in our related article!