Pokémon maker Game Freak has confirmed it was the victim of a data breach after information surfaced online over the weekend.

The company, which has been developing the Nintendo-exclusive video game series since 1996, said its servers were hacked in August this year.

A statement said 2,606 items were accessed that included the names and email addresses of current, former and contract employees.

The company did not comment on other information shared online that claimed to show details of unreleased and upcoming projects.

Game Freak said it would contact those affected individually where possible and strengthen security measures to prevent similar hacks in the future.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and distress caused to everyone involved,” it said.

Game Freak works closely with Nintendo and the Pokémon Company on the franchise, considered one of the most valuable media properties in the world.

It is currently developing the upcoming one Pokémon Legends: ZAwhich is due to appear next year.

Last month, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit Legal action in Japan against the makers of Palword.

Developer Pocketpair's game quickly earned the nickname “Pokémon with weapons” due to its characters' resemblance to Nintendo creatures.

They accuse the company of patent infringement – but the exact details of the lawsuit have not been disclosed.