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Game Freak: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Game Freak.png|right|frame|Logo as seen in the opening of {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}]]
'''Game Freak, Inc.''' (Japanese: '''株式会社ゲームフリーク''' ''{{wp|Kabushiki gaisha}} Game Freak''), officially stylised as '''GAME FREAK inc.''' or less commonly as '''GAMEFREAK inc.''', is a Japanese game development company founded on April 26, 1989 by [[Satoshi Tajiri]], [[Ken Sugimori]], and [[Junichi Masuda]], and the main company responsible for the [[Pokémon]] games, most especially the [[core series]].
'''Game Freak, Inc.''' (Japanese: '''株式会社ゲームフリーク''' ''{{wp|Kabushiki gaisha}} Game Freak'') is a Japanese game development company founded on April 26, 1989 by [[Satoshi Tajiri]], [[Ken Sugimori]], and [[Junichi Masuda]], and the main company responsible for the [[Pokémon]] games, most especially the [[main series|main series versions]].


Originally independent, since the release of {{game|Red and Green|s}} in 1996, Game Freak has been a {{wp|second-party developer}} for [[Nintendo]], developing games exclusively for their hardware while remaining a separate company. The company currently employs a staff of 71 as of April 2011<ref>http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/company/about.html</ref>, while Satoshi Tajiri serves as its current CEO. Its headquarters are on the 22nd floor of the {{wp|Carrot Tower}} in {{wp|Setagaya, Tokyo}}, {{wp|Japan}}.
Originally independent, since the release of {{game|Red and Green|s}} in 1996, Game Freak has been a {{wp|Video game developer#Second-party developer|second-party developer}} for [[Nintendo]], developing games almost exclusively for their hardware while remaining a separate company. The company currently employs a staff of 118 as of April 2017,<ref>[https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/company/about.html 会社概要 | GAME FREAK 株式会社ゲームフリーク オフィシャルサイト]</ref> while Satoshi Tajiri serves as its current CEO. Its headquarters are on the 22nd floor of the {{wp|Carrot Tower}} in {{wp|Setagaya, Tokyo}}, {{wp|Japan}}.


==History==
==History==
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[[File:GameFreakCover1.jpg|thumb|left|Covers for volumes 4, 5, 7, and 8 of Game Freak magazine]]
[[File:GameFreakCover1.jpg|thumb|left|Covers for volumes 4, 5, 7, and 8 of Game Freak magazine]]
[[File:GameFreakCovers2.jpg|thumb|Covers for volumes 13, 14, and 16 of Game Freak magazine]]
[[File:GameFreakCovers2.jpg|thumb|Covers for volumes 13, 14, and 16 of Game Freak magazine]]
Game Freak, at the time unincorporated, originated as a video game magazine in the early 1980's. Run chiefly by Tajiri, with art made by Sugimori, the magazines typically were released at a length of around 28 pages and at a price of ¥300 (roughly US$3). Initially, the magazine was handwritten, but Tajiri later outsourced this to a professional printing company.
Game Freak, at the time unincorporated, originated as a video game magazine in the early 1980s. Run chiefly by Tajiri, with art made by Sugimori, the magazines typically were released at a length of around 28 pages and at a price of ¥300 (roughly US$3). Initially, the magazine was handwritten, but Tajiri later outsourced this to a professional printing company.


In 1989, Tajiri published his first video game, Quinty, which was localized as {{wp|Mendel Palace}} for its North American release. In the same year, Game Freak was officially incorporated, and began work on several video games for the two largest players in the industry at the time, Nintendo and {{wp|Sega}}. Among these games were licensed titles such as {{smw|Yoshi (game)|Yoshi}} and {{smw|Mario & Wario}}, as well as original games such as {{wp|Pulseman}} and {{wp|Smart Ball}}.
In 1989, Tajiri published his first video game, Quinty, which was localized as {{wp|Mendel Palace}} for its North American release. In the same year, Game Freak was officially incorporated, and began work on several video games for the two largest players in the industry at the time, Nintendo and {{wp|Sega}}. Among these games were licensed titles such as {{smw|Yoshi (game)|Yoshi}} and {{smw|Mario & Wario}}, as well as original games such as {{wp|Pulseman}} and {{wp|Smart Ball}}.
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Though the franchise is currently the second-most successful game franchise in the world (placing shortly behind {{smw|Mario (series)|Mario}}), development of {{game|Red and Green|s}} was incredibly difficult for the team at Game Freak, with the six-year development period and low finances of the company causing many of the staff to leave for other employment. Tajiri himself worked long hours, many of them unpaid, in order to bring Pokémon out, finally releasing them on February 27, 1996. An international success overnight, Game Freak became recognized as one of the best game developers Nintendo had working for them, leading to their second-party status.
Though the franchise is currently the second-most successful game franchise in the world (placing shortly behind {{smw|Mario (series)|Mario}}), development of {{game|Red and Green|s}} was incredibly difficult for the team at Game Freak, with the six-year development period and low finances of the company causing many of the staff to leave for other employment. Tajiri himself worked long hours, many of them unpaid, in order to bring Pokémon out, finally releasing them on February 27, 1996. An international success overnight, Game Freak became recognized as one of the best game developers Nintendo had working for them, leading to their second-party status.


Since Red and Green, Game Freak has developed all main series versions; other games, including the battle arena games and [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]] RPGs {{g|Colosseum}} and {{XD}}, have been developed by other Nintendo affiliates and subsidiaries. The [[Game Boy Camera]], more of an add-on to the Game Boy than a game itself, had its image editing software developed by Game Freak as well.
Since Red and Green, Game Freak has developed all core series games; other games, including the battle arena games and [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]] RPGs {{g|Colosseum}} and {{XD}}, have been developed by other Nintendo affiliates and subsidiaries. The [[Game Boy Camera]], more of an add-on to the Game Boy than a game itself, had its image editing software developed by Game Freak as well.


===Later non-Pokémon work===
===Later non-Pokémon work===
[[File:HarmoKnight.png|thumb|[[HarmoKnight]], Game Freak's latest non-Pokémon game]]
[[File:HarmoKnight.png|thumb|[[HarmoKnight]], one of Game Freak's recent non-Pokémon titles]]
Though Game Freak has mainly developed the Pokémon series since its 1996 debut, it is responsible for three games released since then that were not Pokémon-related. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDqSZub7Dag Click Medic], a Japan-only medical simulation game for the {{wp|PlayStation}}, plays similarly to Pokémon, though instead of monsters, features a doctor using various vaccines and antibodies to fight against viruses and other maladies inside of a patient's body.
Though Game Freak has mainly developed the Pokémon series since its 1996 debut, it is responsible for five games released since then that were not Pokémon-related. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDqSZub7Dag Click Medic], a Japan-only medical simulation game for the {{wp|PlayStation}}, plays similarly to Pokémon, though instead of monsters, features a doctor using various vaccines and antibodies to fight against viruses and other maladies inside of a patient's body.


Another game, {{wp|Drill Dozer}}, was released for the [[Game Boy Advance]] in the interim between the release of {{game|Emerald}} and {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, featuring a young girl who operates a drilling machine in order to take down enemies in each of the worlds.
Another game, {{wp|Drill Dozer}}, was released for the [[Game Boy Advance]] in the interim between the release of {{game|Emerald}} and {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, featuring a young girl who operates a drilling machine in order to take down enemies in each of the worlds.


Game Freak's most recent non-Pokémon game is [[HarmoKnight]], a rhythm-based action game available on the [[Nintendo 3DS]] eShop that was released in North America and Europe on March 28, 2013. The game features several music tracks from the Pokémon series.
Game Freak's most recent non-Pokémon titles are [[HarmoKnight]] (a rhythm-based action game which also features music from the Pokémon games) and Pocket Card Jockey (a game that mixes {{wp|Patience (game)|solitaire}} and horse racing), which were respectively released for the [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]] in Japan on 2012 and 2013 via the {{wp|Nintendo eShop}}, and 2016 worldwide on the Nintendo eShop. Pocket Card Jockey was later ported to {{wp|Android (operating system)|Android}} and {{wp|iOS}} in Japan, making it the first Game Freak game to be released on a non-Nintendo system since Click Medic.
 
In March 2015, Game Freak announced {{wp|Tembo the Badass Elephant}}, to be published by {{wp|Sega}} for {{wp|PlayStation 4}}, {{wp|Xbox One}}, and {{wp|Microsoft Windows}}. It is the first title by Game Freak not released on a Nintendo system since Click Medic. It features the titular elephant fighting against an evil invading army.


==Philosophy==
==Philosophy==
Line 37: Line 38:
* [[Shigeki Morimoto]] (森本茂樹)
* [[Shigeki Morimoto]] (森本茂樹)
* [[Motofumi Fujiwara]] (藤原基史)
* [[Motofumi Fujiwara]] (藤原基史)
* [[Kōji Nishino]] {西野弘二)


==In the games==
==In the games==
{{split|{{redlink|GAME FREAK (Trainer class)}}|section}}
Game Freak employees appear in each of the core series games. The main reason to visit them is to obtain a [[diploma]], awarded after the completion of the [[Pokédex]]. In {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the sound designer gives the [[GB Sounds]] after the player has obtained all 8 Kanto Badges.
Game Freak employees appear in each of the main series games, with their headquarters on the third floor of the [[Celadon Condominiums]]. In the games in which [[Kanto]] is not visitable, they appear on vacation, with a group in [[Lilycove City]], staying in the [[Cove Lily Motel]], and a single member staying at the [[Hotel Grand Lake]] in [[Valor Lakefront]]. The main reason to visit them is to obtain a [[diploma]], awarded after the completion of the [[Pokédex]]. In {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the sound designer gives the [[GB Sounds]] after the player has obtained all 8 Kanto Badges.
 
Game Freak has its own building in [[Castelia City]] in {{game|Black and White|s}}, where a character representing [[Shigeki Morimoto]] can be battled after stopping [[Team Plasma]]. Game Freak is found on 22F, just like in their real-world office in {{wp|Carrot Tower}}. In {{2v2|Black|White|2}}, aside from Morimoto, another employee which is based on [[Kouji Nishino]] can also be fought. Nishino uses a {{p|Snorlax}} as his highest leveled Pokémon, a reference to his nickname カビゴン ''Kabigon'', after which Snorlax is named. In the English versions, he calls himself Snorlax.
 
===Pokémon Black and White===
{{Party
|color={{white color}}
|headcolor={{black color light}}
|bordercolor={{white color dark}}
|sprite=Spr BW Veteran M.png
|prize={{Pdollar}}6160
|class=GAME FREAK
|name={{color2|000|Shigeki Morimoto|Morimoto}}
|game=BW
|location=Castelia City
|pokemon=6
|pokemon1={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=510
|pokemon=Liepard
|level=75
|gender=male
|type1=Dark
|ability=Limber
|move1=Fake Out|move1type=Normal|move1cat=Physical
|move2=Grass Knot|move2type=Grass|move2cat=Special
|move3=Night Slash|move3type=Dark|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Sucker Punch|move4type=Dark|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon2={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=516
|pokemon=Simipour
|level=75
|gender=male
|type1=Water
|ability=Gluttony
|held=Petaya Berry
|move1=Surf|move1type=Water|move1cat=Special
|move2=Crunch|move2type=Dark|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Payback|move3type=Dark|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Acrobatics|move4type=Flying|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon3={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=514
|pokemon=Simisear
|level=75
|gender=male
|type1=Fire
|ability=Gluttony
|held=Petaya Berry
|move1=Flamethrower|move1type=Fire|move1cat=Special
|move2=Crunch|move2type=Dark|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Payback|move3type=Dark|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Acrobatics|move4type=Flying|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon4={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=512
|pokemon=Simisage
|level=75
|gender=male
|type1=Grass
|ability=Gluttony
|held=Petaya Berry
|move1=Energy Ball|move1type=Grass|move1cat=Special
|move2=Crunch|move2type=Dark|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Payback|move3type=Dark|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Acrobatics|move4type=Flying|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon5={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=528
|pokemon=Swoobat
|level=75
|gender=male
|type1=Psychic
|type2=Flying
|ability=Unaware
|move1=Air Slash|move1type=Flying|move1cat=Special
|move2=Endeavor|move2type=Normal|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Psychic|move3type=Psychic|move3cat=Special
|move4=Psyshock|move4type=Psychic|move4cat=Special}}
|pokemon6={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=523
|pokemon=Zebstrika
|level=77
|gender=male
|type1=Electric
|ability=Lightningrod
|move1=Pursuit|move1type=Dark|move1cat=Physical
|move2=Giga Impact|move2type=Normal|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Flame Charge|move3type=Fire|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Wild Charge|move4type=Electric|move4cat=Physical}}
}}
 
===Pokémon Black 2 and White 2===
=====Pre-[[Hall of Fame]]=====
{{Party
|color={{white 2 color}}
|headcolor={{black 2 color light}}
|bordercolor={{white 2 color dark}}
|sprite=Spr B2W2 Veteran M.png
|prize={{Pdollar}}{{tt|1120|960 in Easy Mode, 1280 in Challenge Mode}}
|class=GAME FREAK
|name={{color2|000|Shigeki Morimoto|Morimoto}}
|game=B2W2
|location=Castelia City
|pokemon=3
|pokemon1={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=511
|pokemon=Pansage
|level={{tt|14|12 in Easy Mode, 16 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Grass
|ability=Gluttony
|held=Oran Berry
|move1=Vine Whip|move1type=Grass|move1cat=Physical
|move2=Lick|move2type=Ghost|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Fury Swipes|move3type=Normal|move3cat=Physical}}
|pokemon2={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=513
|pokemon=Pansear
|level={{tt|14|12 in Easy Mode, 16 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Fire
|ability=Gluttony
|held=Oran Berry
|move1=Incinerate|move1type=Fire|move1cat=Special
|move2=Lick|move2type=Ghost|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Fury Swipes|move3type=Normal|move3cat=Physical}}
|pokemon3={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=515
|pokemon=Panpour
|level={{tt|14|12 in Easy Mode, 16 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Water
|ability=Gluttony
|held=Oran Berry
|move1=Water Gun|move1type=Water|move1cat=Special
|move2=Lick|move2type=Ghost|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Fury Swipes|move3type=Normal|move3cat=Physical}}}}


{{Party
Their headquarters are located on the third floor of the [[Celadon Condominiums]]. They have their own office on 22F of a building in [[Castelia City]], just like in their [[Pokémon world in relation to the real world#Real-world locations mentioned|real-world]] office in {{wp|Carrot Tower}}. They also have an office on the second floor of a building in [[Heahea City]]. In [[Hoenn]], a group of Game Freak employees are on vacation, staying in [[Lilycove City]]'s [[Cove Lily Motel]]; in [[Sinnoh]], a single member is staying at the [[Hotel Grand Lake]]; in [[Kalos]], the game director can be found staying at the [[Coumarine City#Hotel Coumarine|Hotel Coumarine]] in [[Coumarine City]].
|color={{white 2 color}}
|headcolor={{black 2 color light}}
|bordercolor={{white 2 color dark}}
|sprite=Spr B2W2 Hiker.png
|prize={{Pdollar}}{{tt|1280|1120 in Easy Mode, 1440 in Challenge Mode}}
|class=GAME FREAK
|name={{color2|000|Kōji Nishino|Nishino}}
|game=B2W2
|location=Castelia City
|pokemon=1
|pokemon1={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=035
|pokemon=Clefairy
|level={{tt|16|14 in Easy Mode, 18 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=female
|type1=Normal
|ability=Cute Charm
|held=Leftovers
|move1=Growl|move1type=Normal|move1cat=Status
|move2=DoubleSlap|move2type=Normal|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Follow Me|move3type=Normal|move3cat=Status
|move4=Encore|move4type=Normal|move4cat=Status}}}}


=====Post-Hall of Fame=====
In {{game|Black and White|s}}, the player can battle a character representing [[Shigeki Morimoto]] in the office after stopping [[Team Plasma]]. In {{2v2|Black|White|2}}, they can also battle [[Kōji Nishino]], who uses a {{p|Snorlax}} as his highest leveled Pokémon, a reference to his nickname カビゴン ''Kabigon'', after which Snorlax is named (in the English versions, he calls himself Snorlax). Both Morimoto and Nishino have the Trainer class {{tc|GAME FREAK}}. In {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the player can battle Morimoto in the Game Freak office, who will give the player an [[Oval Charm]] the first time he is defeated.
{{Party
|color={{white 2 color}}
|headcolor={{black 2 color light}}
|bordercolor={{white 2 color dark}}
|sprite=Spr B2W2 Veteran M.png
|prize={{Pdollar}}{{tt|6240|6080 in Easy Mode, 6400 in Challenge Mode}}
|class=GAME FREAK
|name={{color2|000|Shigeki Morimoto|Morimoto}}
|game=B2W2
|location=Castelia City
|pokemon=6
|pokemon1={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=510
|pokemon=Liepard
|level={{tt|76|74 in Easy Mode, 78 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Dark
|ability=Unburden
|move1=Fake Out|move1type=Normal|move1cat=Physical
|move2=Sucker Punch|move2type=Dark|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Night Slash|move3type=Dark|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Grass Knot|move4type=Grass|move4cat=Special}}
|pokemon2={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=516
|pokemon=Simipour
|level={{tt|76|74 in Easy Mode, 78 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Water
|ability=Gluttony
|held=Petaya Berry
|move1=Surf|move1type=Water|move1cat=Special
|move2=Crunch|move2type=Dark|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Payback|move3type=Dark|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Acrobatics|move4type=Flying|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon3={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=514
|pokemon=Simisear
|level={{tt|76|74 in Easy Mode, 78 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Fire
|ability=Gluttony
|held=Petaya Berry
|move1=Crunch|move1type=Dark|move1cat=Physical
|move2=Flamethrower|move2type=Fire|move2cat=Special
|move3=Payback|move3type=Dark|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Acrobatics|move4type=Flying|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon4={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=512
|pokemon=Simisage
|level={{tt|76|74 in Easy Mode, 78 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Grass
|ability=Gluttony
|held=Petaya Berry
|move1=Energy Ball|move1type=Grass|move1cat=Special
|move2=Acrobatics|move2type=Flying|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Payback|move3type=Dark|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Crunch|move4type=Dark|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon5={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=528
|pokemon=Swoobat
|level={{tt|76|74 in Easy Mode, 78 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Psychic
|type2=Flying
|ability=Unaware
|move1=Air Slash|move1type=Flying|move1cat=Special
|move2=Psychic|move2type=Psychic|move2cat=Special
|move3=Psyshock|move3type=Psychic|move3cat=Special
|move4=Endeavor|move4type=Normal|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon6={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=523
|pokemon=Zebstrika
|level={{tt|78|76 in Easy Mode, 80 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Electric
|ability=Motor Drive
|move1=Pursuit|move1type=Dark|move1cat=Physical
|move2=Giga Impact|move2type=Normal|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Flame Charge|move3type=Fire|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Wild Charge|move4type=Electric|move4cat=Physical}}}}


{{Party
==Logo screen==
|color={{white 2 color}}
{{incomplete|section|Gen VI and VII screens}}
|headcolor={{black 2 color light}}
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{HP color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{HP color}}"
|bordercolor={{white 2 color dark}}
|-
|sprite=Spr B2W2 Hiker.png
|  width="128px" style="background: #{{red color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo RGBY.png]]
|prize={{Pdollar}}{{tt|6240|6080 in Easy Mode, 6400 in Challenge Mode}}
| width="128px" style="background: #{{red color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo RBY.png]]
|class=GAME FREAK
| width="128px" style="background: #{{gold color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo GS.png]]
|name={{color2|000|Kōji Nishino|Nishino}}
| width="128px" style="background: #{{crystal color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo C.png]]
|game=B2W2
|-
|location=Castelia City
| style="background: #{{green color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev1|RGBY}}
|pokemon=6
| style="background: #{{blue color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev1|RBY}}
|pokemon1={{Pokémon/5
| style="background: #{{silver color dark}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev2|GS}}
|game=Black
| style="background: #{{crystal color dark}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev2|C}}
|ndex=036
|-
|pokemon=Clefable
| width="128px" style="background: #{{ruby color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo RS.png]]
|level={{tt|76|74 in Easy Mode, 78 in Challenge Mode}}
| width="128px" style="background: #{{firered color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo FRLG.png]]
|gender=female
| width="128px" style="background: #{{emerald color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo E.png]]
|type1=Normal
| width="128px" style="background: #{{diamond color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo DP.png|200px]]
|ability=Cute Charm
|-
|held=Leftovers
| style="background: #{{sapphire color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev3|RS}}
|move1=Cosmic Power|move1type=Psychic|move1cat=Status
| style="background: #{{leafgreen color dark}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
|move2=Sing|move2type=Normal|move2cat=Status
| style="background: #{{emerald color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev3|E}}
|move3=Metronome|move3type=Normal|move3cat=Status
| style="background: #{{pearl color dark}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev4|DP}}
|move4=Stored Power|move4type=Psychic|move4cat=Special}}
|-
|pokemon2={{Pokémon/5
| width="128px" style="background: #{{platinum color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo Pt.png|200px]]
|game=Black
| width="128px" style="background: #{{heartgold color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo HGSS.png|200px]]
|ndex=184
| width="128px" style="background: #{{black color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo BWB2W2.png|200px]]
|pokemon=Azumarill
|-
|level={{tt|76|74 in Easy Mode, 78 in Challenge Mode}}
| style="background: #{{platinum color dark}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev4|Pt}}
|gender=male
| style="background: #{{soulsilver color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}
|type1=Water
| style="background: #{{white 2 color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev5|BWB2W2}}
|ability=Huge Power
|}
|held=Leftovers
|move1=Double-Edge|move1type=Normal|move1cat=Physical
|move2=Aqua Tail|move2type=Water|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Superpower|move3type=Fighting|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Bulldoze|move4type=Ground|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon3={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=463
|pokemon=Lickilicky
|level={{tt|76|74 in Easy Mode, 78 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Normal
|ability=Own Tempo
|held=Leftovers
|move1=Fire Blast|move1type=Fire|move1cat=Special
|move2=Earthquake|move2type=Ground|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Blizzard|move3type=Ice|move3cat=Special
|move4=Power Whip|move4type=Grass|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon4={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=040
|pokemon=Wigglytuff
|level={{tt|76|74 in Easy Mode, 78 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=female
|type1=Normal
|ability=Cute Charm
|held=Leftovers
|move1=Flamethrower|move1type=Fire|move1cat=Special
|move2=Hyper Voice|move2type=Normal|move2cat=Special
|move3=Thunderbolt|move3type=Electric|move3cat=Special
|move4=Ice Beam|move4type=Ice|move4cat=Special}}
|pokemon5={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=594
|pokemon=Alomomola
|level={{tt|76|74 in Easy Mode, 78 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Water
|ability=Hydration
|held=Leftovers
|move1=Wish|move1type=Normal|move1cat=Status
|move2=Toxic|move2type=Poison|move2cat=Status
|move3=Protect|move3type=Normal|move3cat=Status
|move4=Aqua Jet|move4type=Water|move4cat=Physical}}
|pokemon6={{Pokémon/5
|game=Black
|ndex=143
|pokemon=Snorlax
|level={{tt|78|76 in Easy Mode, 80 in Challenge Mode}}
|gender=male
|type1=Normal
|ability=Thick Fat
|held=Leftovers
|move1=Body Slam|move1type=Normal|move1cat=Physical
|move2=Yawn|move2type=Normal|move2cat=Status
|move3=Superpower|move3type=Fighting|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Crunch|move4type=Dark|move4cat=Physical}}}}


==Related articles==
==Related articles==
* [[Satoshi Tajiri: New Game Design]]
* [[Satoshi Tajiri: New Game Design]]
==External links==
*{{wp|Game Freak|Wikipedia article}}
*{{nw|Game Freak|NintendoWiki article}}
*{{smw|Game Freak|Super Mario Wiki article}}
*{{sw|Category:Game Freak|StrategyWiki category}}
* [https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/ Official website] <small>(Japanese)</small>
* [https://www.facebook.com/gamefreak.official/ Facebook]


==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
==External links==
* [http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/ Official website (Japanese)]


{{TrainerNav|white|unova=yes}}
{{TrainerNav|white|unova=yes}}


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Revision as of 20:54, 1 October 2017

Game Freak, Inc. (Japanese: 株式会社ゲームフリーク Kabushiki gaisha Game Freak), officially stylised as GAME FREAK inc. or less commonly as GAMEFREAK inc., is a Japanese game development company founded on April 26, 1989 by Satoshi Tajiri, Ken Sugimori, and Junichi Masuda, and the main company responsible for the Pokémon games, most especially the core series.

Originally independent, since the release of Pokémon Red and Green in 1996, Game Freak has been a second-party developer for Nintendo, developing games almost exclusively for their hardware while remaining a separate company. The company currently employs a staff of 118 as of April 2017,[1] while Satoshi Tajiri serves as its current CEO. Its headquarters are on the 22nd floor of the Carrot Tower in Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan.

History

Early history

Covers for volumes 4, 5, 7, and 8 of Game Freak magazine
Covers for volumes 13, 14, and 16 of Game Freak magazine

Game Freak, at the time unincorporated, originated as a video game magazine in the early 1980s. Run chiefly by Tajiri, with art made by Sugimori, the magazines typically were released at a length of around 28 pages and at a price of ¥300 (roughly US$3). Initially, the magazine was handwritten, but Tajiri later outsourced this to a professional printing company.

In 1989, Tajiri published his first video game, Quinty, which was localized as Mendel Palace for its North American release. In the same year, Game Freak was officially incorporated, and began work on several video games for the two largest players in the industry at the time, Nintendo and Sega. Among these games were licensed titles such as Yoshi and Mario & Wario, as well as original games such as Pulseman and Smart Ball.

Pokémon

Though the idea for what would become the Pokémon games had existed in Tajiri's mind for a while, actual development of the Pokémon idea began as Capsule Monsters in 1990. Tajiri pitched this idea to Nintendo, however, it was rejected, and issues copyrighting the name led Tajiri to change it, first shortening it to CapuMon, then changing it to Pocket Monsters. With further revision of the idea, Tajiri pitched it again to Nintendo, and with the confidence of Shigeru Miyamoto swaying the decision, development was finally greenlighted.

Though the franchise is currently the second-most successful game franchise in the world (placing shortly behind Mario), development of Pokémon Red and Green was incredibly difficult for the team at Game Freak, with the six-year development period and low finances of the company causing many of the staff to leave for other employment. Tajiri himself worked long hours, many of them unpaid, in order to bring Pokémon out, finally releasing them on February 27, 1996. An international success overnight, Game Freak became recognized as one of the best game developers Nintendo had working for them, leading to their second-party status.

Since Red and Green, Game Freak has developed all core series games; other games, including the battle arena games and GameCube RPGs Pokémon Colosseum and XD, have been developed by other Nintendo affiliates and subsidiaries. The Game Boy Camera, more of an add-on to the Game Boy than a game itself, had its image editing software developed by Game Freak as well.

Later non-Pokémon work

HarmoKnight, one of Game Freak's recent non-Pokémon titles

Though Game Freak has mainly developed the Pokémon series since its 1996 debut, it is responsible for five games released since then that were not Pokémon-related. Click Medic, a Japan-only medical simulation game for the PlayStation, plays similarly to Pokémon, though instead of monsters, features a doctor using various vaccines and antibodies to fight against viruses and other maladies inside of a patient's body.

Another game, Drill Dozer, was released for the Game Boy Advance in the interim between the release of Pokémon Emerald and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, featuring a young girl who operates a drilling machine in order to take down enemies in each of the worlds.

Game Freak's most recent non-Pokémon titles are HarmoKnight (a rhythm-based action game which also features music from the Pokémon games) and Pocket Card Jockey (a game that mixes solitaire and horse racing), which were respectively released for the 3DS in Japan on 2012 and 2013 via the Nintendo eShop, and 2016 worldwide on the Nintendo eShop. Pocket Card Jockey was later ported to Android and iOS in Japan, making it the first Game Freak game to be released on a non-Nintendo system since Click Medic.

In March 2015, Game Freak announced Tembo the Badass Elephant, to be published by Sega for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. It is the first title by Game Freak not released on a Nintendo system since Click Medic. It features the titular elephant fighting against an evil invading army.

Philosophy

Game Freak's philosophy, as stated on their website, is "To give the people of the world enjoyment, fun and discovery by continuously creating games of superior quality. And to encourage bravery, hope, kindness, dreams and an adventurous spirit." This philosophy is easily seen in the Pokémon games, where the player must fight bravely against the various villainous teams, journeying across their region with their Pokémon by their side.

Key people

In the games

Game Freak employees appear in each of the core series games. The main reason to visit them is to obtain a diploma, awarded after the completion of the Pokédex. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the sound designer gives the GB Sounds after the player has obtained all 8 Kanto Badges.

Their headquarters are located on the third floor of the Celadon Condominiums. They have their own office on 22F of a building in Castelia City, just like in their real-world office in Carrot Tower. They also have an office on the second floor of a building in Heahea City. In Hoenn, a group of Game Freak employees are on vacation, staying in Lilycove City's Cove Lily Motel; in Sinnoh, a single member is staying at the Hotel Grand Lake; in Kalos, the game director can be found staying at the Hotel Coumarine in Coumarine City.

In Pokémon Black and White, the player can battle a character representing Shigeki Morimoto in the office after stopping Team Plasma. In Black 2 and White 2, they can also battle Kōji Nishino, who uses a Snorlax as his highest leveled Pokémon, a reference to his nickname カビゴン Kabigon, after which Snorlax is named (in the English versions, he calls himself Snorlax). Both Morimoto and Nishino have the Trainer class GAME FREAK. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, the player can battle Morimoto in the Game Freak office, who will give the player an Oval Charm the first time he is defeated.

Logo screen

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Gen VI and VII screens
Game Freak logo RGBY.png Game Freak logo RBY.png Game Freak logo GS.png Game Freak logo C.png
RGBY RBY GS C
Game Freak logo RS.png Game Freak logo FRLG.png Game Freak logo E.png Game Freak logo DP.png
RS FRLG E DP
Game Freak logo Pt.png Game Freak logo HGSS.png Game Freak logo BWB2W2.png
Pt HGSS BWB2W2

Related articles

External links

References

  1. ↑ 会社概要 | GAME FREAK 株式会社ゲームフリーク オフィシャルサイト


Trainer classes in the Pokémon core series
Unova Ace Trainer • Artist • Backers • Backpacker • Baker • Battle Girl • Biker • Black Belt • Champion • Clerk
Cyclist • Dancer • Depot Agent • Doctor • Elite Four • Fisherman • GAME FREAK • Gentleman • Gym Leader*
Harlequin • Hiker • Hooligans • Hoopster • Infielder • Janitor • Lady • Lass • Linebacker • Maid • Motorcyclist • Musician
Nurse • Nursery Aide • Parasol Lady • Pilot • Pokéfan • PKMN Breeder • PKMN Ranger • Pokémon Trainer* • Policeman
Preschooler • Psychic • Rich Boy • Roughneck • School Kid • Scientist • Smasher • Socialite • Striker • Subway Boss
Swimmer • Team Plasma • Team Plasma Grunt • The RichesBW • Twins • Veteran • Waiter • Waitress • Worker • Youngster
BeautyB2W2 • Boss TrainerB2W2 • GuitaristB2W2
Pokéstar Studios only:B2W2
A-list Actor • Actor • Actress • Big Star • Celebrity • Chic Actress • Child Star • Comedian
Fine Actor • Movie Star • New Actress • Star Actor • Suit Actor • Unique Star • Veteran Star
Pokémon World Tournament only:B2W2
Junior Representative • Master Representative • Senior Representative
World Champion • World Finalist • World Runner-up
Blueberry Academy only:SV
BB League Champion • BB League Elite Four • Blueberry Academy Director
Director • Instructor • League Club • Student • Top Champion
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