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Pok\u00e9mon maker Game Freak has confirmed it was the victim of a data leak after information appeared online over the weekend.<\/p>\n
The company, which has developed the Nintendo-exclusive video game series since 1996, said its servers were hacked in August this year.<\/p>\n
A statement said 2,606 items containing the names and email addresses of current, former and contract employees were accessed.<\/p>\n
The company did not comment on other information shared online claiming to show details of unreleased and upcoming projects. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Game Freak said it would individually contact those affected where possible, and strengthen security measures to prevent similar hacks in future. <\/p>\n
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused to all involved,” it said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Game Freak works closely alongside Nintendo and the Pok\u00e9mon Company on the franchise, said to be one of the most valuable media properties in the world.<\/p>\n
It is currently developing the upcoming Pok\u00e9mon Legends: Z-A<\/a>, which is due for release next year.<\/p>\n Last month, Nintendo and The Pok\u00e9mon Company lodged legal action in Japan against the makers of Palword<\/a>.<\/p>\n The game, from developer Pocketpair, quickly earned the nickname “Pok\u00e9mon with guns” due to the resemblance of its characters to Nintendo’s creatures.<\/p>\n They’ve accused the company of patent infringement – although the exact details of the claim have not been revealed. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n