In an interview with Glixel, Level-5 CEO, Akihiro Hino spoke about how the idea of Professor Layton come about.  Speaking with them, Akihiro said that Level-5 was inspired by the popularity of brainteaser/brain-exercising games available back then, which included a “Brain Exercise” game on the DS. However, Akihiro did not just want to make another “Brain Exercise” game and decided to switch the formula up a bit.

We started creating Professor Layton over 10 years ago. Back then, there was a moment where “brainteaser” type of games were really popular. There was a book in Japan I really liked called Atama no Taisou, which translates to something like “Brain Exercising.” I wanted to make a game that was similar to that. Since there was another Nintendo DS game with a similar title, I figured a game like that would be a big hit. But because the trademark for “Brain Exercise” was already taken, I had to try something different. I reached out to the author of the book, Akira Tago, in collaboration with him, I decided to make a new game with puzzle-solving elements, but with a story layered over it. And that’s how we made Layton.

When asked about the continued success of the Layton Series, Akihiro commented that they worked tirelessly to make Professor Layton into a game that everyone can enjoy. While some people may enjoy the puzzles, others may enjoy the storyline. In any case, they did their best to cater to everyone across age and profile. I personally liked Professor Layton for their puzzles.

I believe that the main reason is that the Professor Layton games are designed from everybody, across the age spectrum. And the reason for that is, even if you’re a non-gamer, or you’re not good at solving puzzles, there are still aspects of the game they will enjoy. We always make sure of that.

In the end, Professor Layton remained as Akihiro’s favourite title to develop, being intimately involved every step of the way.

My favorite is definitely Professor Layton. It was the first title we worked on as a publisher, so I was able to focus on every little detail. We all worked so hard on it, as a result, we delivered it, and people really loved it. On the producer and consumer side, it made the best result. That’s what matters.

While Professor Layton is taking a back seat, his daughter, Katrielle is just about to stretch her arms in the upcoming game Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy. You can read the full interview here.

Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy releases for the Japanese Nintendo 3DS on 20 July 2017 and in the West Fall 2017.