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'''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''), 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 {{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 exclusively for their hardware while remaining a separate company. The company currently employs a staff of 81 as of April 2015<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}}.
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 143 as of April 2018,<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}}.


===Pokémon===
===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 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 {{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 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.
Since Red and Green, Game Freak has developed all core series games, as well as the free-to-play spin-off game {{g|Quest}}; 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]], one of Game Freak's latest non-Pokémon titles]]
[[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 four 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 titles are [[HarmoKnight]] (a rhythm-based action game which also features music from the Pokémon games) and Solitiba (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}}. Solitiba was later ported to Android and iOS, making it the first Game Freak game to release on a non-Nintendo system since Click Medic.
[[HarmoKnight]], a rhythm-based action game for [[Nintendo 3DS]] developed by Game Freak, was released in Japan in 2012 and internationally in 2013, via the {{wp|Nintendo eShop}}. HarmoKnight also features some music from the Pokémon games.


In March 2015, Game Freak announced Tembo the Badass Elephant, to be published by Sega for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It is to be 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.
Pocket Card Jockey, a game that mixes {{wp|Patience (game)|solitaire}} and horse racing, was released for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in Japan in 2013 and internationally in 2016, via the {{wp|Nintendo eShop}}. It 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.
 
In September 2018, Game Freak announced ''Town'', a role-playing game unrelated to Pokémon. It is scheduled for release in 2019.


==Philosophy==
==Philosophy==
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* [[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==
Game Freak employees appear in each of the core 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 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.
 
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]].


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 [[Pokémon world in relation to the real world#Real-world locations mentioned|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. Both Morimoto and Nishino have the Trainer class {{tc|GAME FREAK}}.
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.


==Logo screen==
==Logo screen==
{{incomplete|section|X, Y, OR, and AS screens}}
{{incomplete|section|Gen VI and VII screens}}
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{HP color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{HP color}}"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{HP color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{HP color}}"
|-
|-
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|  style="background: #{{leafgreen color dark}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
|  style="background: #{{leafgreen color dark}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
|  style="background: #{{emerald color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev3|E}}
|  style="background: #{{emerald color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev3|E}}
|  style="background: #{{pearl color dark}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev3|DP}}
|  style="background: #{{pearl color dark}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{gameabbrev4|DP}}
|-
|-
|  width="128px" style="background: #{{platinum color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo Pt.png|200px]]
|  width="128px" style="background: #{{platinum color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Game Freak logo Pt.png|200px]]
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==Related articles==
==Related articles==
* [[Satoshi Tajiri: New Game Design]]
* [[Satoshi Tajiri: New Game Design]]
==References==
<references />


==External links==
==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.gamefreak.co.jp/ Official website] <small>(Japanese)</small>
* [https://www.facebook.com/gamefreak.official/ Facebook]
* [https://www.facebook.com/gamefreak.official/ Facebook]


{{TrainerNav|white|unova=yes}}
==References==
<references />


[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Companies]]
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[[de:GAME FREAK inc.]]
[[de:GAME FREAK inc.]]
[[fr:Game Freak]]
[[es:Game Freak]]
[[fr:GAME FREAK (studio de développement)]]
[[it:Game Freak]]
[[it:Game Freak]]
[[ja:ゲームフリーク]]
[[ja:ゲームフリーク]]
[[pl:Game Freak]]
[[zh:GAME FREAK]]
[[zh:Game Freak]]

Revision as of 01:34, 15 June 2019

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 143 as of April 2018,[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, as well as the free-to-play spin-off game Pokémon Quest; 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.

HarmoKnight, a rhythm-based action game for Nintendo 3DS developed by Game Freak, was released in Japan in 2012 and internationally in 2013, via the Nintendo eShop. HarmoKnight also features some music from the Pokémon games.

Pocket Card Jockey, a game that mixes solitaire and horse racing, was released for the Nintendo 3DS in Japan in 2013 and internationally in 2016, via the Nintendo eShop. It 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.

In September 2018, Game Freak announced Town, a role-playing game unrelated to Pokémon. It is scheduled for release in 2019.

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