Pokémon has been a beloved franchise since its inception in 1995. It has captured the hearts of both children and adults alike with its cute and colorful creatures, exciting gameplay, and immersive world. Over the years, Pokémon has expanded beyond just video games and has ventured into other forms of media such as trading cards, movies, and even augmented reality games. One of the latest additions to the Pokémon universe is Pokémon Sleep, a mobile game that aims to revolutionize the way we sleep.
In this article, we will dive deep into the world of Pokémon Sleep – what it is, how to play, and everything else you need to know about this new and innovative game. So grab your Poké Balls and get ready to explore the land of dreams!
What is Pokémon Sleep?
Pokémon Sleep is an upcoming mobile game developed by The Pokémon Company. It was announced in May 2019, along with other new projects such as Pokémon Masters and Pokémon Home. As the name suggests, this game revolves around the concept of sleep, but it is not just a typical sleep tracker app. Pokémon Sleep aims to make sleeping more fun and rewarding by incorporating the world of Pokémon into our dreams.
The Vision behind Pokémon Sleep
According to Tsunekazu Ishihara, the president and CEO of The Pokémon Company, the idea for Pokémon Sleep came from the success of Pokémon Go, an augmented reality game that encourages players to go out and explore their surroundings. With Pokémon Sleep, they wanted to take the concept of exploring to a whole new level – by exploring the world of dreams.
The main objective of Pokémon Sleep is to promote better sleep habits and improve overall well-being. By making the process of sleeping more enjoyable, the developers hope to encourage people to prioritize their sleep and reap its benefits.
How does it work?
Pokémon Sleep works by using your mobile device’s accelerometer to track your movements while you are sleeping. This data is then translated into gameplay elements within the game. The longer and better you sleep, the more rewards you will receive in the game.
Additionally, Pokémon Sleep also connects with the already existing Pokémon Go Plus device, which tracks your movement during the day. By utilizing both devices, players can earn rewards 24 hours a day, promoting a healthy sleep cycle.
Compatibility and Availability
Pokémon Sleep is set to be released in 2020 for both iOS and Android devices. It will be free to download and play, with optional in-game purchases. As for compatibility, the game will require a smartphone with an accelerometer and a stable internet connection.
The Role of Pokémon in Improving Sleep
It may seem unusual for a video game to promote better sleep habits, but Pokémon Sleep has a strong scientific background that supports its effectiveness. Studies have shown that playing video games before bedtime can have negative effects on sleep quality, but Pokémon Sleep is designed to be played while you are already sleeping.
The Science behind it
During sleep, our brains go through different stages of sleep, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. These stages play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. Lack of quality sleep can lead to various physical and mental health issues, such as fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and even chronic diseases.
Pokémon Sleep aims to improve the quality of sleep by encouraging players to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and aim for the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night. By doing so, players can experience all the stages of sleep, ensuring their bodies and minds are well-rested.
Benefits of Playing Pokémon Sleep
Aside from promoting better sleep habits, Pokémon Sleep also offers other benefits for its players. By incorporating the world of Pokémon into our dreams, the game provides a fun and immersive way to relax before falling asleep. It also allows players to disconnect from the stressful realities of life and escape into a dreamland filled with cute and friendly creatures.
Moreover, catching and training Pokémon in the game can also serve as a form of stress relief and a way to unwind after a long day. This could potentially improve mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
How Pokémon Sleep helps in developing a healthy sleep cycle
In addition to promoting better sleep habits, playing Pokémon Sleep also helps in developing a healthy sleep cycle. By setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, players can train their bodies to follow a regular sleep schedule. This, in turn, can improve the quality of sleep and make waking up in the morning easier and more refreshing.
Moreover, the game also tracks your sleep patterns and offers insights into your sleep quality. By analyzing this data, players can identify any potential sleep issues and take the necessary steps to improve their sleep hygiene.
Gameplay
Now that we have covered the basics of Pokémon Sleep, let us dive into its gameplay. As mentioned earlier, the game revolves around the idea of catching and training Pokémon while you are sleeping.
Basic Mechanics and Controls
The mechanics and controls of Pokémon Sleep are quite similar to those of Pokémon Go. Players will need to walk or move around in the real world to catch Pokémon and earn rewards. However, since you will be asleep while playing Pokémon Sleep, the movements will be tracked using your phone’s accelerometer and not GPS.
To catch Pokémon, players must set their in-game alarm for a specific time and start the game before going to bed. Once asleep, the game will track your movements and determine if you have successfully caught any Pokémon. The more restful your sleep is, the more Pokémon you will catch.
Catching Pokémon while sleeping
As mentioned earlier, Pokémon Sleep uses your phone’s accelerometer to track your movements while you are sleeping. This means that any tossing and turning you do during the night can affect your gameplay. Additionally, players can also set a “Dream Catcher” feature that allows them to catch Pokémon without needing to toss and turn at night.
By catching Pokémon during the night, players can earn experience points (XP) and level up their Pokémon. This will make them stronger and give them an advantage in battles with other players.
Training Pokémon in the Dream World
In addition to catching Pokémon, players can also train their Pokémon in the Dream World, a special area within the game accessible only while sleeping. Here, players can engage their Pokémon in battles with other players’ Pokémon and earn rewards such as XP, items, and even rare Pokémon.
The Dream World also offers a peaceful environment where players can relax and unwind before falling asleep. It is a great way to disconnect from the stresses of the day and immerse yourself in the world of Pokémon.
Connecting with Other Players
One of the most exciting aspects of Pokémon Sleep is its ability to connect players from all around the world. The game offers various features that allow players to create a social network, compete, and collaborate with their friends.
Creating a Social Network
Similar to other Pokémon games, players can add friends and create a trainer profile in Pokémon Sleep. This profile will display your progress in the game, including the Pokémon you have caught, your level, and any achievements you have earned.
You can also connect with your friends and see each other’s profiles to compare progress and compete for the top spot. This feature adds a fun and competitive element to the game, encouraging players to strive for better sleep habits and earn bragging rights among their friends.
Competing and Collaborating with Friends
In addition to comparing progress, players can also compete and collaborate with their friends in the Dream World. As mentioned earlier, players can battle their Pokémon against each other and earn rewards.
Moreover, players can also team up with their friends to take on special events and challenges within the game. This promotes teamwork and adds a fun and social aspect to the gameplay.
Trading Pokémon in the Dream World
Another exciting feature of Pokémon Sleep is the ability to trade Pokémon with other players in the Dream World. This allows players to collect rare and unique Pokémon from their friends and complete their Pokédex.
Trading Pokémon can also be beneficial for those who may have difficulty catching certain Pokémon in their own region. By connecting with players from different parts of the world, players can trade and catch Pokémon exclusive to those regions.
In-Game Purchases and Microtransactions
Like many other mobile games, Pokémon Sleep also offers in-game purchases and microtransactions. These are optional and are not necessary to enjoy the game; however, they do offer additional benefits for players.
Cost and Pricing Structure
The game itself is free to download and play, but there are options to purchase in-game currency known as “Poké Coins.” These coins can be used to buy items such as Poké Balls, potions, and other useful items.
The cost of Poké Coins will vary depending on the region and currency. However, The Pokémon Company has stated that they aim to keep the prices affordable for all players.
What can be bought?
Players can purchase various items with Poké Coins, including:
- Poké Balls: These are necessary for catching Pokémon. Players can choose from different types of Poké Balls, each with its own catch rate.
- Potions and Revives: These items can be used to heal and revive Pokémon during battles.
- Lucky Eggs: These eggs double the XP earned by a player for a certain period, making it easier to level up their Pokémon.
- Incense: Similar to Pokémon Go, this item attracts wild Pokémon to your location, increasing your chances of catching them.
- Storage Upgrades: As players catch more Pokémon, they may run out of space to store them. By purchasing storage upgrades, players can increase their Pokémon storage capacity.
- Other Customization Items: Players can also use Poké Coins to customize their trainer profile, such as changing their avatar’s clothing or accessories.
Controversy surrounding microtransactions
As with any game that offers microtransactions, Pokémon Sleep has faced some backlash from fans who are concerned about the potential high costs associated with playing the game. There have been debates about whether the game promotes unhealthy spending habits and if players will feel pressured to make purchases to progress in the game.
However, The Pokémon Company has assured fans that these purchases are optional and are not necessary to enjoy the game. They have also stated that they want to create a fair and balanced gameplay experience for all players.
Concerns and Criticisms
While many fans are excited about the release of Pokémon Sleep, some concerns and criticisms have been raised regarding the game’s potential impact on players’ lives.
Is Pokémon Sleep promoting unhealthy gaming habits?
One of the main criticisms of Pokémon Sleep is that it may encourage unhealthy gaming habits. With the game tracking movements while sleeping, some fear that players may prioritize playing the game over getting enough sleep. This could potentially lead to disrupted sleep patterns and other health issues.
However, The Pokémon Company has stated that their main goal is to promote better sleep habits and not to disrupt them. They have also mentioned that players can choose to turn off the game before going to bed if they feel it is interfering with their sleep.
Security and Privacy concerns
Another concern surrounding Pokémon Sleep is the security and privacy of the data collected by the game. Since the game tracks movement while sleeping, some worry that this data could be used for other purposes without the players’ consent.
The developers have addressed these concerns by stating that all data collected will be stored securely and will not be shared with third parties. Players will also have the option to control what data is collected and how it is used.
Balancing real-life responsibilities with playing Pokémon Sleep
Finally, there have been discussions about whether players may find it challenging to balance their real-life responsibilities with playing Pokémon Sleep. With the game offering rewards for longer and better sleep, some may feel pressured to prioritize playing the game over other responsibilities such as work, school, or family commitments.
It is essential for players to set boundaries and prioritize their real-life responsibilities while still enjoying the game. As with any form of entertainment, moderation is key, and players should make sure to take care of their real-life responsibilities first.
Conclusion
Pokémon Sleep is an exciting and innovative addition to the Pokémon universe. By incorporating the world of Pokémon into our dreams, the game aims to promote better sleep habits and improve overall well-being. With its fun gameplay, social features, and potential benefits, it is sure to capture the hearts of fans worldwide.
However, it is crucial to remember that Pokémon Sleep is just a game and should not be prioritized over one’s real-life responsibilities. By setting boundaries and practicing moderation, players can enjoy the game while maintaining a healthy balance in their lives. So, are you ready to catch ’em all in your dreams?
