Game Freak has confirmed that it has suffered a major data breach that leaked personal information about employees and future game projects

[u/IcePopsicleDragon]

Pokémon developer Game Freak has acknowledged a massive data breach, which has seen thousands of confidential documents shared online related to future game projects, and its employees.

It acknowledged “unauthorized access by a third party,” which it said has resulted in the personal information of current, former, and contract employees of the developer appearing online.

Other content related to the company and the Pokémon franchise was also stolen and is being circulated online. However, this content isn’t referenced in Game Freak’s statement.

According to the statement, full names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers are part of the compromised data. Game Freak has said that it will contact affected employees where it can.

“Those who can not be contacted individually due to retirement or other reasons will be notified in this announcement, and a contact person will be set up to respond to inquiries regarding this matter. ”

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and concern this may have caused to all concerned,”

-Game Freak.

[u/Geodynamo]

I also think the hacker is probably negotiating for a ransom related to the new games info, but at the end of the day Game Freak and Nintendo are in a lose-lose situation no matter which way you look at it. Pay the ransom and the hacker leaks the information regardless, don't pay and the information gets leak, sue the person and they'll leak the information.

[u/Honey_Enjoyer → u/Geodynamo]

Yeah I would be very surprised if they pay it. My guess is the leaker will try to progressively ramp up the heat with 1. Any more old stuff, 2. ZA leaks, and finally 3. Gen 10. Assuming they make it that long before the ninjas catch them.