Game Freak: Difference between revisions

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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 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.


[[File:HarmoKnight.png|thumb|[[HarmoKnight]], Game Freak's latest IP]]
===Later non-Pokémon work===
===Later non-Pokémon work===
[[File:HarmoKnight.png|thumb|[[HarmoKnight]], Game Freak's latest non-Pokémon game]]
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 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.



Revision as of 05:02, 16 March 2013

File:Game Freak.png
Logo as seen in the opening of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

Game Freak, Inc. (Japanese: 株式会社ゲームフリーク 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 versions.

Originally independent, since the release of Pokémon Red and Green in 1996, Game Freak has been a 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[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 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.

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 main series versions; 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, Game Freak's latest non-Pokémon game

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. 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 game is HarmoKnight, a rhythm-based action game available on the Nintendo 3DS eShop that will be released in North America and Europe on March 28, 2013. The game features several music tracks from the Pokémon series.

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

292Shedinja.png The contents of this section have been suggested to be split into GAME FREAK (Trainer class).
Please discuss it on the talk page for this section.

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 Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, 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 Pokémon Black and White, 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 Carrot Tower. In Black 2 and White 2, aside from Morimoto, another employee which is based on Kouji Nishino can also be fought. Nishino uses a Snorlax as his highest leveled Pokémon, a reference to his nickname カビゴン Kabigon, after which Snorlax is named.

Pokémon Black & White



Pokémon Black 2 & White 2

Pre-Hall of Fame





Post-Hall of Fame





Related articles

References

External links


Trainer classes in the Pokémon core series
Unova Ace TrainerArtistBackersBackpackerBakerBattle GirlBikerBlack BeltChampionClerk
CyclistDancerDepot AgentDoctorElite FourFishermanGAME FREAKGentlemanGym Leader*
HarlequinHikerHooligansHoopsterInfielderJanitorLadyLassLinebackerMaidMotorcyclistMusician
NurseNursery AideParasol LadyPilotPokéfanPKMN BreederPKMN RangerPokémon Trainer*Policeman
PreschoolerPsychicRich BoyRoughneckSchool KidScientistSmasherSocialiteStrikerSubway Boss
SwimmerTeam PlasmaTeam Plasma GruntThe RichesBWTwinsVeteranWaiterWaitressWorkerYoungster
BeautyB2W2Boss TrainerB2W2GuitaristB2W2
Pokéstar Studios only:B2W2
A-list ActorActorActressBig StarCelebrityChic ActressChild StarComedian
Fine ActorMovie StarNew ActressStar ActorSuit ActorUnique StarVeteran Star
Pokémon World Tournament only:B2W2
Junior RepresentativeMaster RepresentativeSenior Representative
World ChampionWorld FinalistWorld Runner-up
Blueberry Academy only:SV
BB League ChampionBB League Elite FourBlueberry Academy Director
DirectorInstructorLeague ClubStudentTop Champion