Pokémon Sleep Joins Pokémon Works as Lead Developer

Pokémon Sleep Development Transitioned to Pokémon Works

The Pokémon Company's subsidiary, Pokémon Works, will assume responsibility for the development and future updates of Pokémon Sleep, previously managed by Select Button. This transition was announced within the Japanese version of the Pokémon Sleep app.

From Select Button to Pokémon Works

The Pokémon Company established Pokémon Works in March 2024, fueling speculation about its future endeavors. Now, eight months later, the developer shift from Select Button to Pokémon Works is confirmed. The in-app announcement stated that development and operation will gradually transition. The impact on the global version remains unclear, as the news isn't yet reflected in the global app's news section.

Pokémon Works, a collaborative venture between The Pokémon Company and Iruka Co., Ltd., is relatively new. Its representative director, Takuya Iwasaki, highlighted its commitment to creating more immersive Pokémon experiences. The company's shared location in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with ILCA (developers of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and contributors to Pokémon HOME) suggests a strong connection within the Pokémon development ecosystem. Iwasaki also confirmed Pokémon Works' past contributions to Pokémon HOME.

While the company's past Pokémon projects are limited, their stated goal is to enhance the Pokémon experience, making interactions more engaging and realistic. The specifics of how this vision will be implemented in Pokémon Sleep are yet to be revealed.