Professor Layton Was Supposed to End Until Nintendo Stepped In

Professor Layton's Return: A New Steam-Powered Adventure Thanks to Nintendo

The renowned Professor Layton is back with a new adventure, and we have Nintendo to thank for it! Read on to discover how the long-awaited sequel came to fruition, according to LEVEL-5's CEO.

A Decade-Long Hiatus Ends

After a nearly ten-year absence, Professor Layton makes a triumphant return. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5 revealed the story behind Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino, speaking with Yuji Horii (creator of the Dragon Quest series), explained that while they considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a fitting conclusion, Nintendo's influence played a crucial role in the sequel's development. Hino stated that Nintendo's strong encouragement prompted the studio to revisit the steampunk world of Professor Layton. The push, according to AUTOMATON's reporting, came directly from "Company ‘N’," a clear reference to Nintendo.

This involvement isn't surprising, considering Nintendo's significant role in the franchise's success on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo published many Layton titles and recognized the series as a key exclusive. Hino emphasized that Nintendo's belief in the series and the potential of a new game on modern consoles was instrumental in the decision.

A New Steam-Powered Mystery

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, set one year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, reunites the professor and Luke Triton in Steam Bison, a vibrant American city powered by steam technology. They'll tackle a new mystery involving Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger.

The game retains the series' signature challenging puzzles, this time enhanced by collaboration with QuizKnock, renowned for innovative brain teasers. This partnership 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!