The Pokémon Company announced that Junichi Masuda has been appointed as chief creative fellow as of June 1st, 2022. Masuda leaves Game Freak and stepped down as managing director on May 31st, just one day prior. At Game Freak, Masuda was involved in development of the Pokémon series ever since Pokémon Red and Green.
Here’s the statement by Junichi Masuda, released by The Pokémon Company:
“I have served as the director of the Pokemon video game series, starting with Pokemon Ruby Version and Pokemon Sapphire Version, up until Pokemon X and Pokemon Y, and was involved in the development of many video games, including Pokemon GO. I would like to express my heart-felt thanks to all Pokemon fans.
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.”
The newest game in the series, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, releases on November 18th for Switch. Tobyfox returns as a music track composer for the new game.
