The developer of the Professor Layton, Yo-kai Watch, Ni no Kuni, and Inazuma Eleven franchises is teasing the announcement of a new franchise in 2023. The story of Level-5 as a game developer is complex and somewhat controversial. But the love many fans have for Level-5's many series is undeniable. Whatever Level-5's next game might be, there will be a significant number of anxious fans hoping to see the studio creating something special.
It's nearly been a decade since the release of Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, the final title in Level-5's beloved Professor Layton series. It was around this time when fans of Level-5 saw a dramatic shift in focus for the developer. Level-5 started its Pokemon-like series Yo-kai Watch, made iOS and Android a major platform focus, and experimented with live-service experiences like Snack World and Fantasy Life. In 2022, however, it's unclear what Level-5's focus will be next.
In a Happy New Year card from Level-5, as shared by Famitsu, Level-5 had a message to its fans regarding what they can look forward to in 2023. To start, Level-5 tells fans to expect more information regarding what's next for Inazuma Eleven. Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road of Heroes is expected to release this year. But Level-5 also has a tease for fans. It mentions that there's an announcement coming in 2023 that should surprise fans.
The only detail Level-5 is willing to share about this looming announcement is that it's for a "completely new work." While the translation leaves room for misinterpretation, the idea seems to be that Level-5 plans to announce a new IP. Given the diversity of Level-5's previous work, it's difficult to make any assumptions regarding what this new game could be.
One possibility is that Level-5 is referring to a game named Ushiro. Ushiro is a game Level-5 made for the PSP in 2008, but ultimately canceled. Level-5 then announced this past year that it was bringing Ushiro back, with plans to put it out on Nintendo Switch. Technically, Ushiro has already been announced, but it's possible Level-5 may choose to re-reveal it.
While Ushiro is a possibility, it seems more likely that Level-5 has something entirely new planned for reveal in 2023. Level-5 has always shown itself as willing to try something new, even abandoning incredibly successful and popular franchises like Professor Layton. While Yo-Kai Watch, Megaton Musashi, and Level-5's other popular franchises are still likely to return eventually, 2023 may be the start of yet another transition toward something new.
Source: Famitsu
