The Pokemon world could be going huge multiplayer if recent Pokemon leaks from the notorious Teraleak data leak come to pass. In one of gaming’s biggest leaks, the developer behind the beloved franchise Game Freak suffered a massive hack that was the largest in gaming history. Leaks on online arenas are creating exciting speculation and the thought of a Pokemon MMO game among fans.
Pokemon leak Game Freak Hack reveals 25 years of secrets
In August 2024, the devastating hack that leaked nearly one terabyte of sensitive data eviscerated Game Freak’s entire data set. This breach, now dubbed “Teraleak,” revealed internal documents, concept art, unreleased games, and source codes dating back over 25 years. In October 2024, the stolen information was released online, circulating quickly across forums such as r/PokeLeaks.
A vast leak delves into early Pokemon titles and future projects. Among the files are plans for Generation 10, code-named “Gaia,” which is expected to introduce new game versions for both the Nintendo Switch and the rumored Switch 2. But there were also documents for an unannounced Pokemon MMO game, essentially a multiplayer experience that could completely reshape the genre. The first reports confirmed these exciting developments, but then some Pokemon leaks misinterpreted some of what they were saying, creating an already chaotic cloud of rumors.
Synapse: Is a Pokemon MMO on the Horizon?
While fans were buzzing about the idea of a Pokemon MMO game, much of the information regarding this rumor stems from speculation surrounding project code names like “Synapse.” Early Pokemon leaks indicated that Synapse could be Game Freak’s first foray into creating a massive Pokemon trainer’s online world. Those claims were quickly debunked. Further investigation suggested that Synapse is likely a multiplayer battle-focused game in the vein of Splatoon without the full MMO element.
This clarification of the Pokemon series’ lineup has clarified things, but fans haven’t given up their hopes that the series will someday dive head-first into the MMO genre. Since the idea of trainers who interact in the open world and trade and battle in real-time, many discussions have been raised in the gamer community. However, we are unsure whether such a Pokemon MMO would even be the case, and rumors of a multiplayer Pokemon game, a Synapse, are still unverified.
Pokemon’s future: What we know so far
One thing to know is that Generation 10 is already well on its way amid all the speculation. Code-named “Gaia,” the next generation is expected to follow in the footsteps of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, introducing two versions of the game on both the Nintendo Switch and its successor, the Switch 2, which is reportedly code-named “Ounce.”
The Pokemon leaks have also revealed other intriguing details, such as unused designs, pitches for movie sequels, and even test builds for future releases like Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The more immediate takeaway is that the franchise is setting it up for major changes, with the tantalizing rumor of a Pokemon MMO game unlikely to come to fruition this year or soon after. From where the Pokemon series could head to which new game mechanics could bring the Pokémon franchise into, the future of the Pokemon isn’t very predictable.
The Pokemon leaks by Teraleak have left the gaming community with more questions than answers. The whole amount of stolen data was unprecedented―from confidential game development files to sensitive employee information stolen from Game Freak. It’s impossible to say what is true from all the rumors and half-confirmed reports flying around. We know that the Pokemon franchise is going through some serious changes right now, and whatever does come next, there will be some wild news to announce shortly.
Image credits: Furkan Demirkaya/Gencraft AI
