Pokémon Go, the popular game that took the world by storm, has now introduced a new spin-off called Pokémon Sleep. This innovative game aims to encourage players to get a good night’s sleep. Developed by Japanese studio Select Button Inc. and published by The Pokemon Co., Pokémon Sleep has already garnered immense popularity, becoming the most downloaded game during the week of July 16.
Unlike other Pokémon games that require players to actively catch creatures while they are awake, Pokémon Sleep records and rewards players’ sleep patterns. By placing their smartphones close to their heads while sleeping, the game monitors the vibrations detected by the phone’s sensors to estimate sleep quality. The better the sleep metrics, the more Pokémon creatures players can collect.
To enhance gameplay, players can choose to purchase in-app items to befriend additional Pokémon or opt for a premium subscription that offers bonus sleep points. This feature incentivizes users to improve their sleep habits and make a conscious effort to go to bed at the set bedtime.
Despite its initial success, Pokémon Sleep faces tough competition from other health-oriented apps in the market. However, Pokémon, a joint venture owned by Nintendo Co., Creatures Inc., and Game Freak Inc., has invested over four years in developing this game, aiming to add an element of fun to the sleep-tracking experience.
Some users have expressed boredom with the game, as its outcomes are determined while they are asleep, and the creatures found in Pokémon Sleep cannot be transferred to other Pokémon games. This has led to a decline in searches for the title, reaching only about half of their peak worldwide, according to Google Trends.
Reina Watanabe, a 22-year-old resident of Tokyo, who has been playing Pokémon Sleep for three weeks, shares her experience, stating that while collecting different Pokémon is enjoyable, the game can become repetitive over time.
Nevertheless, the future success of Pokémon Sleep depends on the appeal of its characters and the perceived health benefits it offers. Many idle games, such as AFK Arena, AdVenture Capitalist, Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector, and Egg Inc., have remained popular for years, proving that limited gameplay can still engage users.
This release follows the massive success of Pokémon Go, which celebrated its seven-year anniversary last month. While Pokémon Go continues to thrive through updates and reinvention, its developer, Niantic Inc., has faced challenges with other games, leading to the closure of its Los Angeles studio and staff reductions.
Looking ahead, Pokémon aims to expand the connectivity of its newest game to more devices, according to the company’s Pokémon Sleep producer, Kaname Kosugi.
Masamitsu Takahashi, a 30-year-old Pokémon fan from Gifu Prefecture, shares his thoughts on Pokémon Sleep, expressing that while the game is enjoyable, it doesn’t quite capture the essence of traditional Pokémon battles. However, he is willing to wait and see if any major overhauls are in the works before deciding whether to delete the app.
As Pokémon Sleep continues to make waves in the gaming industry, it remains to be seen if it can sustain users’ interest and become another monumental success for the Pokémon franchise.
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