Pokémon Sleep Development Shifts from Select Button to The Pokémon Works

The Pokémon Company has announced a significant transition for the popular mobile sleep-tracking game, Pokémon Sleep.

The app's primary responsibility for development is moving away from its original developer, Select Button, and into the hands of The Pokémon Works, a recently established subsidiary in collaboration with ILCA.

This decision signals a new chapter for the hit title, which saw a strong debut and has since become a notable presence on mobile and compatible smartwatch platforms. Pokémon Sleep first launched in 2023, attracting both longtime Pokémon fans and new players with its unique premise: tracking users' sleep patterns and rewarding healthy habits with beloved Pokémon companions.

The game, available on various mobile devices and smartwatches, quickly gained traction, surpassing $100 million in revenue within its first year, according to industry reports. Previously, development of Pokémon Sleep was primarily managed by Select Button, a studio recognized for its work on Magikarp Jump.

The development process also involved The Pokémon Company (TPC) as a co-developer.

However, in a recent update shared on social media by Serebii, the ongoing stewardship of the title will be taken over by The Pokémon Works, a subsidiary TPC launched in partnership with ILCA earlier in 2024. ILCA has established itself as a prominent developer in the Pokémon universe, notably contributing to the Nintendo Switch remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

The company has also been actively supporting Pokémon Sleep alongside Select Button since its launch.

The reorganized development structure puts The Pokémon Works at the forefront, signaling TPC's intent to centralize the game's ongoing maintenance and feature updates under its purview. In tandem with this transition, The Pokémon Works recently launched an official website, expanding its digital presence.

The studio is not only handling duties for Pokémon Sleep but is also assisting with the maintenance of Pokémon HOME, further integrating itself within the Pokémon ecosystem. For the app's millions of users worldwide, gameplay remains accessible across mobile phones and smartwatches, emphasizing convenience and widespread engagement.

As The Pokémon Works assumes full responsibility for development, industry observers will be watching closely for any enhancements or changes in future updates to Pokémon Sleep. The shift from Select Button to The Pokémon Works exemplifies The Pokémon Company’s commitment to managing and evolving its hit titles internally and through its dedicated subsidiaries.

With continued support from ILCA, Pokémon Sleep appears well-positioned for ongoing updates and sustained popularity in the crowded mobile gaming landscape.

Pokémon Pokémon Company Pokémon Sleep Select Button The Pokémon Works ILCA Pokémon Works The Pokémon Company