Pokémon Sleep Shifts Gears, Pokémon Works Takes Lead

Pokemon Sleep's Development Transitioned to Pokémon Works

Select Button, the original developer of Pokémon Sleep, is transferring development responsibilities to Pokémon Works, a newly established Pokémon subsidiary. This article details the shift.

From Select Button to Pokémon Works: A New Chapter for Pokémon Sleep

Following the March launch of Pokémon Works, speculation arose regarding its future projects. Now, eight months later, it's been confirmed that Pokémon Works will assume ongoing development and updates for Pokémon Sleep, taking over from Select Button.

An in-app announcement (translated) revealed that Pokémon Sleep's development and operation, previously a joint venture between Select Button Co., Ltd. and The Pokémon Company, Ltd., will transition to Pokémon Works.

This announcement, initially appearing in the Japanese version of the app, hasn't yet surfaced in the global app's news section. The impact on international users remains unclear.

Pokémon Works' portfolio remains relatively small. However, a message from Representative Director Takuya Iwasaki highlights its origins as a joint venture between The Pokémon Company and Iruka Co., Ltd.

Interestingly, Pokémon Works shares a Tokyo location with ILCA, the studio behind the 2021 Pokémon remakes, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and a co-developer of Pokémon HOME. Iwasaki also confirmed Pokémon Works' contributions to Pokémon HOME.

While their Pokémon-related experience is currently limited, Pokémon Works aims to "create an experience that makes Pokémon more real... so everyone can enjoy meeting and adventuring with Pokémon." The specifics of how this vision will shape Pokémon Sleep's future are yet to be revealed.