Summary
- Palworld's developers deny plans for a free-to-play transition to maintain gameplay experience goals.
- Pocketpair reassures fans that it will not rely on microtransactions.
- Despite the Nintendo lawsuit, Palworld's developers remain optimistic.
At the height of tensions with Nintendo, Palworld developers have denied claims that the game will transition to a free-to-play model, explaining why that has never been a plan. The rumors emerged ahead of this year’s Tokyo Game Show, suggesting that Pocketpair is attempting to revive its "dead" title, Palworld. Though, when asked about the game's declining player base, the developers showed no concern and appeared satisfied with the current numbers.
In recent months, gamers have frequently heard the names Pocketpair and Palworld under less-than-ideal circumstances. The company and its 2024 hit game have been in the spotlight since Nintendo filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, with fans on both sides awaiting the trials. Nintendo has a reputation for taking copyright lawsuits seriously, leaving Palworld players to wonder if this case could end the game's successful run. Some theories also suggest that Pocketpair may feel threatened and could opt for a new business strategy to save its flagship IP — a strategy that could potentially concentrate on microtransactions.
Palworld Studio Pocketpair Looking to ‘Expand’ the IP in the Future
Developer Pocketpair talks about the future of Palworld as a franchise, and gives an overview of its plans for the popular game.
In an interview with The Gamer’s Sam Woods during 2024’s Tokyo Game Show, Palworld’s developers responded to rumors of going free-to-play by saying, “We never envisioned Palworld as a live-service game.” The developers explained that their decision was driven by a desire to offer a rich gameplay experience where players can enjoy the game at their own pace. And turning Palworld into a live-service game would go against this vision. Pocketpair also stated that it prioritizes long-term support and fostering a strong community instead of a monetization-first approach.
Palworld Seems to Be “Marching On” with the Same Attitude
A live-service game is typically a free-to-play title that relies heavily on microtransactions as its core business model. Rumors of Palworld following this route worried many fans, as live-service games often develop a bad reputation for overusing paid items that can unbalance the meta. Fortunately, Pocketpair appears committed to avoiding this approach, and Palworld’s launch on PS5 as a $29.99 title confirms that stance.
Earlier this year, after the Nintendo drama, Palworld’s Global Community Manager commented on the lawsuit by assuring fans that Pocketpair would “march on.” The company’s official Twitter response also hinted that the Japanese indie developer wouldn’t back down. If the developers' optimism is accurate, Palworld players have little to worry about. In fact, they could see more significant expansions and extended updates, especially with the formation of Palworld Entertainment, a joint venture between Sony Music Entertainment and Pocketpair. However, only time will tell if Pocketpair can emerge as one of the few survivors of a Nintendo lawsuit and if it can keep Palworld's microtransactions limited to cosmetic items.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 71 /100 Critics Rec: 58%
- Released
- January 19, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Violence
- Developer(s)
- Pocket Pair, Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Pocket Pair, Inc.
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Xbox Series X|S, pc
WHERE TO PLAY
In this game, you can peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals or risk your life to drive off a ruthless poaching syndicate. Pals can be used to fight and breed, or they can be made to work on farms or factories. You can even sell them or eat them.
Survival: In a harsh environment where food is scarce and vicious poachers roam, danger waits around every corner. To survive, you must tread carefully and make difficult choices...even if that means eating your own Pals when the time comes.
Mounts & Exploration: Pals can be mounted to traverse the land, sea and sky—allowing you to traverse all kinds of environment as you explore the world.
Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!
- Cross Save
- yes
- Number of Players
- 1-4 (Co-Op); 32 Players Server Limit
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Shooter, Survival
- How Long To Beat
- 36 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 6 GB (February 2024)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
