Pokémon Sleep’s development is transitioning to Pokémon Works. Select Button, the original developer, is handing over the reins to this newly established Pokémon subsidiary. Here's what we know about this change.
Pokémon Sleep Development Under New Management
From Select Button to Pokémon Works
Launched in March, Pokémon Works, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company, has now assumed responsibility for Pokémon Sleep's ongoing development and future updates. This marks a shift from the previous developers, Select Button.
An in-app announcement (via machine translation) stated that development and operation of Pokémon Sleep were previously shared between Select Button and The Pokémon Company. This responsibility will now gradually transfer to Pokémon Works.
The announcement appeared in the Japanese version of the app. Global users haven't yet seen this news within the app's News section.
Pokémon Works' current projects remain largely undisclosed. However, according to Representative Director Takuya Iwasaki, the company is a collaborative venture between The Pokémon Company and Iruka Co., Ltd.
Interestingly, Pokémon Works shares a Tokyo office 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' contribution to Pokémon HOME's development.
Although their Pokémon-related experience is currently limited, Pokémon Works aims to "create an experience that makes Pokémon more real... so that everyone can enjoy meeting and adventuring with Pokémon." How this vision will shape the future of Pokémon Sleep remains to be seen.
