Professor Layton Was Supposed to End Until Nintendo Stepped In

Professor Layton is back! Thanks to a nudge from Nintendo, the renowned puzzle-solving professor is embarking on a brand-new adventure. Discover the story behind the long-awaited sequel.

Professor Layton's Puzzle-Solving Adventures Continue

Nintendo's Influence on LEVEL-5's Decision

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton is returning, and Nintendo played a key role. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5, the series' developer, revealed the behind-the-scenes story leading to Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

In a conversation with Yuji Horii (creator of the Dragon Quest series), LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino shared that while they considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a fitting conclusion, Nintendo's strong encouragement spurred the new game's creation. Hino stated that "Company ‘N’" (Nintendo) actively pushed for a sequel.

"The series concluded, but significant industry figures, particularly from ‘Company N,’ strongly advocated for a new game," Hino explained, as reported by AUTOMATON.

Nintendo's involvement isn't surprising, considering their close relationship with the franchise. The series flourished on Nintendo DS and 3DS, and Nintendo published many of the Professor Layton titles, recognizing its importance as a DS flagship.

Hino added, "Their belief in the series convinced me that a new game, leveraging the capabilities of modern consoles, would delight fans."

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

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'll tackle a new mystery involving Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger.

The game maintains the series' signature challenging puzzles, this time crafted with QuizKnock, a renowned puzzle-creation team. This collaboration is especially exciting for fans, following mixed reception to Layton's Mystery Journey, which starred Katrielle Layton.

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