The development team behind Pokémon Sleep, Select Button, is transitioning management responsibilities to the newly established Pokémon Works. Dive deeper to understand the nuances of this shift.
Pokemon Sleep Development Shifts to New Pokemon Subsidiary
From SELECT BUTTON to Pokemon Works
In an exciting development, The Pokemon Company unveiled its new subsidiary, Pokemon Works, back in March. Eight months on, it's clear that this new entity will spearhead the future development and updates of the popular mobile game, Pokemon Sleep, taking over from the original developer, SELECT BUTTON.
"Until now, the development and operation of Pokemon Sleep has been a collaborative effort between SELECT BUTTON Co. Ltd. and The Pokemon Company, Ltd.," the developers shared via an in-app announcement, which was machine-translated for broader understanding. "Moving forward, the development and operation of Pokemon Sleep will be smoothly transitioned to Pokemon Works."
This pivotal announcement was made through a general notice on the Japanese version of the Pokemon Sleep app. As of now, it's uncertain how this transition will affect the international version of the game, since the update isn't yet visible in the global News section of the app.
While details about Pokémon Works and its ongoing projects are scarce, the company's website offers a glimpse into its origins and aspirations. According to a welcome message from Representative Director Takuya Iwasaki, Pokémon Works is "a development team formed by the collaboration of The Pokémon Company and Iruka Co., Ltd."
Interestingly, Pokémon Works shares its Shinjuku, Tokyo office space with ILCA, the studio behind the 2021 Pokémon remakes, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and a key contributor to Pokémon HOME. Iwasaki's message also highlighted that Pokémon Works played a role in the development of Pokémon HOME.
Despite its limited past involvement with Pokémon projects, Pokémon Works is committed to "creating an experience that makes Pokémon more tangible... allowing everyone to enjoy the thrill of meeting and adventuring with Pokémon." The specific ways in which they plan to enhance Pokémon Sleep with this vision are eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.
