Pokémon legend Junichi Masuda leaving series developer Game Freak Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Pokémon legend Junichi Masuda leaving series developer Game Freak To "transcend the boundaries of video games" at The Pokémon Company. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Published on 1 Jun 2022 3 comments Junichi Masuda, a legendary figure in the creation and development of Pokémon, is leaving series developer Game Freak. Masuda was one of Game Freak's founding members, and over the years had worked on numerous games in the series, beginning as a programmer and composer for the original Pokémon Red and Blue. With Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Masuda took over as game director - a post he held for numerous other entries such as Diamond and Pearl, Black and White, X and Y, and Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee. Watch on YouTube The upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. On other Pokémon projects he is frequently credited as a producer, composer, advisor or supervior. It's hard to find a Pokémon game he has not touched. Now, Masuda is moving on - although not too far. In a statement today, Masuda said he would now serve as "chief creative fellow" for The Pokémon Company, and weigh in issues relating to the overall brand. "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all Pokemon fans," Masuda said in a statement. "Going forward, I hope to transcend the boundaries of video games by trying to offer greater surprises, fun and excitement to people all over the world, while doing my utmost to connect people, expand the circle of 'play' and to help bring about a richer world for us to share. I appreciate your continued support in my new role." In recent years, the role of director for Pokémon projects has gone elsewhere - and soon it will again with the upcoming Pokémon Violet and Scarlet, which are set to usher in the franchise's ninth generation later this year. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store