Game Freak, the renowned developer responsible for creating numerous Pokemon titles, is currently engaged in the development of an exciting samurai game. This project has brought Game Freak into collaboration with Private Division, a prominent video game publisher recognized for their work on acclaimed titles such as The Outer Worlds and Hades. Michael Worosz, the head of Private Division, expressed great honor in partnering with Game Freak, emphasizing that this collaboration marks the studio’s first venture with a Western partner.
Interestingly, Game Freak’s origins can be traced back to the 1980s when it initially began as a video game magazine. However, in 1989, the company transformed into a game development studio under the same name. Throughout its illustrious history, Game Freak has enjoyed a close working relationship with Nintendo, creating a diverse range of games including Yoshi, Mario & Wario, and, most notably, the beloved Pokemon series. While the studio began with a wider array of titles, it gradually became synonymous with the Pokemon franchise in recent years. In 2019, the then-director Masayuki Onoue expressed Game Freak’s increasing focus on developing original titles, aiming to foster the growth and expertise of its talented staff. Following this vision, Game Freak successfully released three original games: Giga Wrecker, Little Town Hero, and Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On.
Now, Game Freak is venturing into uncharted territory with their upcoming game, currently known as “Project Bloom.” This highly anticipated title will take the form of an action-adventure game and promises to offer a distinct experience from the familiar Pokemon series. According to Kota Furushima, the director at Game Freak, the studio is immensely excited about the opportunity to create a new intellectual property (IP) that deviates significantly in tone from their previous works. Furushima describes the project as “bold” and assures fans that it will be an innovative departure. From the very beginning, Game Freak had envisioned collaborating with Private Division, primarily due to the publisher’s extensive international expertise and a proven track record of delivering exceptional games. While Furushima expressed the studio’s eagerness to reveal more details about Project Bloom in the future, currently, only scarce information is available, leaving fans eagerly anticipating further updates.
According to Kota Furushima, the director of Game Freak, Project Bloom will diverge significantly from their previous titles, ushering in a bold departure in both tone and gameplay mechanics.
Furushima expressed great enthusiasm about the prospect of creating a new intellectual property (IP) that deviates from the established Pokémon formula. He described Project Bloom as a venture filled with excitement and emphasized its unique and groundbreaking nature. Game Freak’s decision to collaborate with Private Division, an esteemed publisher known for its international expertise and impressive track record, was a deliberate choice from the outset of the project.
While eager to divulge more details about Project Bloom in the future, Furushima and the studio have maintained a veil of secrecy around the game for the time being. Consequently, little is known about its specific features and intricacies. Nevertheless, to whet the appetite of fans, Game Freak and Private Division unveiled a captivating piece of concept art. The artwork showcases a samurai-like protagonist standing amidst an ancient forest, providing a glimpse into the ambitious and visually stunning world that Project Bloom aims to present. The tantalizing image alone hints at an adventure that enthusiasts will undoubtedly be thrilled to immerse themselves in.
Although Game Freak has long been closely associated with Nintendo due to its strong ties with the Pokémon franchise, recent original releases have demonstrated the studio’s eagerness to collaborate with other creators and expand their creative horizons. As of now, no information has been disclosed regarding the platforms on which Project Bloom will be available. However, this deliberate decision to venture beyond their traditional platform indicates Game Freak’s desire to reach a broader audience and explore new avenues of gaming.
While Project Bloom is still in its early stages of development, fans can expect its release to fall somewhere within the timeframe of April 2025 to March 2026. Patience will be key for Game Freak enthusiasts, but the captivating concept art serves as a promise that the wait will undoubtedly be worthwhile. As the studio diligently works on bringing Project Bloom to life, anticipation continues to mount, and players eagerly await the day they can embark on this groundbreaking adventure that is poised to redefine Game Freak’s creative landscape.
