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PlayStation 5 Gets Promising Adventure Game Set in Ni no Kuni Universe
Bloomwalker, a new adventure game set in the Ni no Kuni universe, has been confirmed for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Developed by Netmarble Neo and published by Netmarble, the game features relaxing crafting gameplay focused on purifying a polluted world and managing a moving house. Players can also explore and customize a pocket dimension.
Level-5 CEO admits using generative AI in recent showcase
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after confirming that generative AI was used in the studio's recent digital showcase for Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch titles. Hino stated the AI was used as an experiment to make the presentation more spectacular and apologized for making fans uncomfortable, while emphasizing that the games themselves are still made by human hands. He also mentioned the studio's goal to reduce development time by using AI for efficiency tasks like converting artwork into polygons.
Fan Backlash Puts Level-5’s AI Showcase Under Scrutiny
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after fans expressed backlash over the use of generative AI in footage shown during the studio's recent digital showcase. Hino stated that AI was used to make the presentation more spectacular, but insisted that core game elements like scenarios and character designs remain human-made. The incident has drawn comparisons to other games facing scrutiny for undisclosed AI use and highlights a wider industry trend.
"I deeply apologize": After global backlash, Level-5 CEO admits new Yo-Kai Watch and Professor Layton showcase…
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized for the studio's use of generative AI in trailers for "Professor Layton and the New World of Steam" and "Yo-kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain." Hino explained the AI was used for efficiency and to digitize existing concepts, assuring that no AI-generated data is included in released games. Despite the apology, fan backlash persists due to environmental concerns and discomfort with AI's role in development.
Level 5 boss apologises for AI use for Professor Layton, Yo-Kai Watch reveals
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized on X following criticism that the company used generative AI during its recent Level-5 Vision event. The presentation featured games from the Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch series, and the use of AI drew significant backlash from fans.
Professor Layton studio Level-5's CEO admits using AI to make its digital showcase "more spectacular"
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has admitted to using generative AI in the studio's recent digital showcase to make the presentation "more spectacular." Following fan backlash, Hino apologized for making people uncomfortable and clarified that core game elements like scenarios and character designs are still created by human hands. He stated AI is being used for efficiency and experimentation in digitizing creative work, not for generating final game assets.
Level-5 Boss Addresses AI Backlash After Fans Hit Out at Game Reveal Showcase
Developer Level-5 has apologized for and explained its use of generative AI after fans criticized footage from games like Professor Layton and the Curious Village and DecaPolice, labeling it 'AI slop'. The company addressed the backlash following its game reveal showcase.
PS5 Remake of Hit Nintendo Exclusive Adventure Game Out 2027
Level-5 has announced a remake of the 2007 adventure game Professor Layton and the Curious Village for PlayStation 5, scheduled for release in 2027. The remake will feature reimagined 3D characters, more immersive exploration, and high-resolution animations, promising stunning visuals and greater immersion.
Level-5 boss says “major title” to be announced for 30th anniversary in 2027
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino announced that a "major title" will be revealed in 2027, coinciding with the company's 30th anniversary. No further details were provided regarding the nature of the game.
Professor Layton’s Comeback Lands on December 10, 2026
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is set to launch on December 10, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Windows PC. The puzzle adventure game from Level-5 experienced several delays but now has a firm release date, promising the series' biggest collection of puzzles.
Level-5 shares TGS 2026 lineup
Level-5 has revealed its lineup for the Tokyo Game Show 2026, featuring titles like Decapolice, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, and Pufflings: Journey Through a Fantasy World as playable demos. Other games, including Inazuma Eleven: Cross and Yo-kai Watch titles, will be showcased via video presentations.
Video: Professor Layton and the Curious Village Remake announced
Level-5 has announced a remake of the classic Nintendo DS title, Professor Layton and the Curious Village, for the Nintendo Switch and other platforms. The remake is slated for release in 2027, bringing the beloved puzzle-adventure game to a new generation.
Professor Layton and the Curious Village Remake Announced, Coming to Multiple Platforms in 2027
Level-5 has announced a remake of Professor Layton and the Curious Village, with the game slated for release in 2027 across multiple platforms. This announcement marks the return of the beloved puzzle-adventure series.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time announces “The Celestial Express” DLC
Level-5 announced "The Celestial Express," a paid DLC for Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, during the Level-5 Vision 2026 2 Dream presentation. The expansion will introduce new Life Ranks (God-in-Training and God), a crafting feature allowing for varied item appearances from the same recipe, new accessories called Wingmates, a customizable mount, new furniture, and new monsters. The release timing for the DLC has not yet been announced.
Inazuma Eleven: Bold Revolution announced, sequel to Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road
Level-5 has announced Inazuma Eleven: Bold Revolution, a sequel to Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road. The new title will introduce a new protagonist named Shane Starfall, with further details and platform confirmations expected at the next Level-5 Vision event. The company also shared news regarding the Professor Layton and the Curious Village Remake.
Iconic Nintendo Franchise Makes PlayStation 5 Debut This Year, Watch Trailer
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, the latest installment in the beloved Nintendo puzzle-adventure series, is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and PC on December 10, 2026. Developed by Level-5, this marks the franchise's first appearance on a PlayStation console in nearly two decades, with a new trailer showcasing its Steampunk setting and puzzles designed in collaboration with QuizKnock.
After 9 Years, We’re Finally Getting More Of The Excellent Professor Layton
A new trailer for Professor Layton and the New World of Steam revealed a December 10, 2027 release date, marking the first new game starring Professor Layton himself since 2013. The game will be a multiplatform launch, available on Nintendo Switch, PC, and PlayStation 5. The trailer showcased the return of Luke as an adult detective and hinted at the series' signature brain-tickling puzzles.
Professor Layton arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 in December
Level-5 has announced that Professor Layton and the New World of Steam will be released on December 10th for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game has been in development for a significant period, and a firm release date has now been confirmed.
Yo-kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain revealed for Nintendo Switch 2
Level-5 has revealed that Yo-kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain is currently in development for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console. No release window has been provided for the title.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam finally gets release date on Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch
Level-5 has announced that Professor Layton and the New World of Steam will be released on December 10, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch. The game was originally announced over three years ago and was initially planned for a 2025 release.
