Omega Force’s sandbox experience helped Game Freak co-develop Pokémon Pokopia.
Game Freak partnered with Omega Force, a Koei Tecmo development team, because Game Freak wanted additional expertise in the sandbox genre. Omega Force had previously worked on similar building-focused projects, including Dragon Quest Builders 2. That background suited Pokopia’s emphasis on collecting materials, constructing homes, shaping habitats, and creating spaces that attract Pokémon.
Omega Force is often associated internationally with the Warriors series, so its role in a calm Pokémon life-simulation game may seem unexpected. The partnership reflects the project’s unusual design rather than a traditional Pokémon development structure. Shigeru Ohmori initiated the concept after thinking about player-created Pokémon habitats, while Omega Force director Takuto Edagawa served as chief director. Game Freak supplied core Pokémon expertise, and the collaboration added experience with open-ended construction and sandbox systems.