Rumors Suggest Beloved Directors Will Contribute to Pokémon Winds and Waves

Since 2014, Shigeru Ohmori has been a key figure in shaping the Pokémon games developed by Game Freak, guiding titles from Pokémon Omega Ruby and Sapphire to Pokémon Pokopia. However, recent leaks suggest that his era may be coming to a close.

According to insider information from a source known as BallGuy, the upcoming tenth generation of Pokémon games will be helmed by seasoned Game Freak developers Hiroyuki Tani and Katsuhiko Ichiraku. While both have contributed to significant Pokémon titles, this will mark their first time leading a main series game. They are particularly recognized for their work on the DLC expansions for Pokémon Sword and Shield, as well as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, both of which received positive feedback, with some fans even considering them enhancements over the original games.

This news has sparked excitement among fans. The Crown Tundra DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield was celebrated for its expansive exploration elements, which will be crucial for a game focused on wild adventures. Meanwhile, the Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was lauded in 2023 for its engaging slice-of-life narrative, which added depth to what are technically the first open-world Pokémon experiences. This is especially notable given that Scarlet and Violet faced significant bugs at launch, with players only experiencing the games as intended after performance upgrades were rolled out for the Switch 2 in 2025.

While the leaks about the new game’s development team may seem trivial, Game Freak has yet to officially announce any directors for the upcoming projects. It’s also possible that Ohmori will still play a role in Winds and Waves, as leaked internal documents from 2025 suggest he contributed to the game’s proposal.

The leaked presentation mentioned inspirations from titles like No Man’s Sky and Spore, highlighting Spore’s dynamic evolution system as a potential foundation for the rumored “Seed” Pokémon. These new Pokémon are expected to break away from traditional evolutionary paths, instead evolving based on environmental factors, weather conditions, and the trainer’s care. This concept could also explain the rumored addition of 300 new Pokémon, which would be the largest influx in the series’ 30-year history.

As game development is an evolving process, it’s unclear which of Ohmori’s concepts will make it into the final product. The same leaks indicate that he stepped down as director for the next Pokémon games in 2024.

A shift in leadership could allow younger developers to steer the series in fresh directions. Mainline Pokémon games have often faced criticism for their reluctance to take risks, yet Game Freak appears eager to explore new possibilities. Titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A have already showcased a more action-oriented gameplay style, diverging from the traditional formula.

If the latest leaks hold true, Pokémon Winds and Waves may continue this trend of innovation. There are already hints of a new battle system that could bring significant changes. Fans are hopeful that this is just one of many new ideas, as the series is in dire need of fresh concepts.

While the RPG will maintain its turn-based battle mechanics, reports suggest that the execution of these battles will be quite different.