Who first conceived Pokémon Pokopia as a Pokémon spin-off?

Shigeru Ohmori first conceived Pokémon Pokopia as a Pokémon spin-off.

Ohmori developed the idea while working on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. He considered how appealing it could be for players to cultivate their own Pokémon habitats, which became the foundation for Pokopia’s rebuilding and social-simulation design.

The concept also connected with Ohmori’s earlier experience as a map designer on Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. That background helped shape an interest in how players move through and modify Pokémon worlds. Pokopia extends that interest by making environmental creation a central activity rather than simply a backdrop for battles.

Game Freak did not develop the sandbox project alone. Because the studio wanted additional experience in the genre, Koei Tecmo’s Omega Force joined as co-developer. Ohmori served as the concept and senior director, while Omega Force’s Takuto Edagawa served as chief director.