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 Transitioned to Pokémon Works
From Select Button to Pokémon Works
The Pokémon Company formed Pokémon Works in March 2024, sparking much speculation. Now, eight months later, Pokémon Works will assume responsibility for Pokémon Sleep's ongoing development and future updates from Select Button.
An in-app announcement (via machine translation) stated that development and operation of Pokémon Sleep, previously a joint effort between Select Button and The Pokémon Company, will gradually shift to Pokémon Works.
This announcement appeared in the Japanese version of the Pokémon Sleep app. Its global rollout remains unconfirmed, as the news is absent from the app's international news feed.
Pokémon Works’ portfolio is currently limited. However, Representative Director Takuya Iwasaki's website greeting reveals the company was formed from The Pokémon Company and Iruka Co., Ltd.
Furthermore, Pokémon Works shares a Tokyo address 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.
Despite their relatively limited Pokémon-related history, Pokémon Works aims to "create an experience that makes Pokémon more real... so that everyone can enjoy meeting and adventuring with Pokémon." The specifics of how this vision will shape Pokémon Sleep's future remain to be seen.
