Shigeru Ohmori originally conceived Pokémon Pokopia during development of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Ohmori had directed Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and had earlier worked as a map designer on Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. His experience with designing game spaces helped inspire the idea that players could create and cultivate their own Pokémon habitats instead of merely traveling through fixed routes.
The concept was later developed with Omega Force, whose sandbox experience complemented Game Freak’s Pokémon knowledge. Takuto Edagawa became the chief director, but the original concept is credited to Ohmori. This distinction separates the game’s originator from the wider team that directed and produced the finished title.