Game Freak
Game Freak, Inc. (Japanese: 株式会社ゲームフリーク Kabushikigaisha Game Freak) was founded on April 26, 1989 by Satoshi Tajiri. Originating as a video game magazine, they soon branched into game development as a “second-party” developer for Nintendo. That is, they are independent at creating games, but are affiliated with Nintendo.
During the time before Pokémon, they created such low-key games as Quinty (renamed Mendel Palace in North America) and also developed licensed games such as Mario and Wario.
Finally, they released Pokémon Red and Green Versions on February 27, 1996, and would go on to create many of the sequels, mostly sticking to the main series of games.
After the success of Pokémon, they created only very few games which were not in relation to Pokémon, out of which the most successful was Drill Dozer.
The company currently employs a staff of 68, as of October 2009.[1]
Philosophy
- 良質な『遊び』を継続的に創り出すことによって世界中の人に楽しさ、面白さ、発見を。そして勇気と希望、やさしさ、夢、冒険心を提供していきます
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.
Key people
- Satoshi Tajiri (田尻 智), founder, chairman of the board
- Ken Sugimori (杉森 建), board member, art director
- Jun'ichi Masuda (増田順一), board member, head of development
- Takenori Ōta (太田健程)
- Shigeki Morimoto (森本茂樹)
- Motofumi Fujiwara (藤原基史)
Pokémon games
Game Boy
Game Boy Color
Game Boy Advance
Nintendo DS
In the games
Some of the employees of Game Freak appear in the main series of Pokémon games, usually headquartered in Celadon Mansion, but also found on vacation in the Cove Lily Motel of Lilycove City, Hoenn. In addition, a Game Freak member appears in Sinnoh's Grand Lake Hotel resort area. They are the ones who will present the player with a Diploma upon their completion of a regional Pokédex or the national one. In HeartGold and SoulSilver, they are stationed in Celadon Mansion once again. After receiving all 16 badges, an employee will give the player a GB Player. It is able to change the game's background music to the original 8-bit tracks from Gold and Silver.
