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Pokémon devs used Lego to create maps of classic games
A newly surfaced behind-the-scenes documentary shows Game Freak using Lego bricks to plan the overworld map for Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, the 2007 Nintendo DS games. The footage offers a rare view of the studio’s early design process and illustrates how physical models helped developers shape the block-based Sinnoh region before finalising it digitally.
The documentary also shows hand-drawn route and dungeon plans, with some early layouts differing from the released game: Jubilife City appeared earlier in development, while Eterna Forest was initially smaller. Test footage indicates the games were built with full 3D elements and a controllable camera, while the documentary notes that the Underground’s mining theme was influenced by director Junichi Masuda’s father’s experience as a coal miner.
In short
- Game Freak used Lego to plan Pokémon Diamond and Pearl’s Sinnoh map.
- Early maps included different versions of Jubilife City and Eterna Forest.
- Footage suggests the games had more flexible 3D camera testing.
Explained simply
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl are role-playing games from 2007 for the Nintendo DS handheld console. Players explore the Sinnoh region to catch fictional creatures and battle opponents in games developed by Game Freak, the studio behind the Pokémon franchise.
Game developers must plan out the layout of their virtual worlds before building them digitally, deciding where cities, forests, routes and dungeons will go and how they connect. To help with this planning process, studios use various tools and creative methods, from hand-drawn sketches to physical models.
A newly surfaced behind-the-scenes documentary reveals how Game Freak designed the world of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, including the physical tools and creative approaches they employed. Such rare glimpses into the development process help players understand the creative thinking and planning that goes into making the games they enjoy.