Scrapped Pokémon Projects and Game Freak Drama – 8 Insights from the Teraleak

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

⚡ Quick Summary

A new leak of Game Freak documents, known as the Teraleak, reveals multiple scrapped projects, canceled features, and internal studio drama.
Information includes DLC budgets, scrapped Pokémon forms, canceled apps, alternative game concepts, and leadership changes.
Highlights include insights into Scarlet & Violet DLC, Team Star designs, Black & White remake status, and future Legends games.
All information here is sourced from Kotaku; this summary does not include original reporting.

📝 Key Takeaways from the Teraleak

1. Scarlet and Violet DLC Cost as Much as a Full Game

The Indigo Disk and Teal Mask expansions reportedly cost nearly the same as a full game like Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Sales: ~6.15 million copies in the first 10 months, compared to Scarlet & Violet’s 27 million.
Arceus sold 14 million copies, roughly double the DLC, prompting Game Freak to consider scaling back DLC budgets for sustainability.
Original DLC settings were planned for Kalos (X & Y / Legends: Z-A) and Alola (Sun & Moon) but were later moved to Kitkami and Blueberry Academy in Unova.

2. Scrapped Gigantamax Form

Concept art from Pokémon Sword & Shield revealed that Nidoking almost received a Gigantamax form, featuring a red crown, beard, and cape.
This design aimed to emphasize the “king” theme but was ultimately scrapped.
It’s unclear whether Nidoqueen would have received a similar form.

3. Team Star’s Early Concept

Early designs for Team Star in Scarlet & Violet featured adult leaders, not the student antagonists seen in the final game.
Some original motifs survived, such as each member piloting a unique float/vehicle, but overall the group’s look and role were very different.
Examples include a biker/monster truck theme, a Wailmer-run boat, and a vehicle carried by Togekiss, piloted by a dapper male character.

4. No Black and White Remake Yet

Despite speculation, a Gen V Black & White remake is not currently in development.
While future plans were noted in leaked documents, no project is actively underway.
Another developer might handle it later, as ILCA did with Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, but it’s likely years away.

5. PokéWalker Mobile App Nearly Happened

Game Freak considered a PokéWalker app compatible with Sword & Shield.
It would allow players to take Pokémon on their phone, play minigames, and catch new monsters for the main game.
The concept was inspired by the original HeartGold & SoulSilver pedometer device, serving as a virtual companion without manufacturing costs.

6. Two Johto Legends Games Were Planned

Before settling on Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak explored two Johto Legends games: Legends: Ho-Oh and Legends: Lugia.
These games would have been period pieces, with protagonists experiencing historical Johto.
The next Legends game is now planned for Galar, but the Johto ideas may return in the future.

7. Internal Studio Drama

Documents reveal internal politics at Game Freak, including a period where Junichi Masuda was removed from directing mainline games.
Masuda previously held concentrated power, leading to conflicts with staff and artist Ken Sugimori during X & Y development.
Masuda later served as producer/supervisor, directed the Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee and BDSP remakes, and in 2022 became Chief Creative Fellow at The Pokémon Company.

8. Other Interesting Nuggets

Several older concepts and scrapped ideas were revealed, offering insight into Game Freak’s development processes.
The leak highlights the scale, ambition, and internal decision-making that shape Pokémon’s games.
Fans now have a clearer view of what could have been, from alternate DLC settings to unproduced Pokémon forms.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Teraleak provides a rare glimpse into Game Freak’s operations, showing both creative ambitions and internal challenges. While some scrapped ideas may never see the light of day, others hint at the future direction of the Pokémon franchise.

As Pokémon Legends: Z-A launches on October 16, 2025, fans can now anticipate future games, potential remakes, and new Legends projects with a deeper understanding of the company’s evolving strategies.

TL;DR

Scarlet & Violet DLC cost nearly as much as full games, set in Unova instead of Kalos/Alola originally.
Nidoking almost had a Gigantamax form.
Team Star was initially conceptualized with adult leaders and unique vehicles.
No Black & White remake is currently in development.
Game Freak considered a PokéWalker mobile app.
Two Johto Legends games were planned before Z-A went to Kalos.
Junichi Masuda experienced internal studio conflicts and later shifted roles.
Leaks show the creative process, scrapped projects, and development challenges.

Note: All information in this article is sourced from Kotaku and not independently verified by us.