Since its early access launch in January 2024, Palworld has attracted over 32 million players across all platforms, including PC via Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation 5. Dubbed "Pokémon with guns" before its record-breaking release, the crafting and survival game has captured the attention of gamers worldwide.
"Thank you so much!" Pocketpair expressed on X (formerly Twitter). "As always, your support means the world to us!"
John 'Bucky' Buckley, Pocketpair's Communications Director and Publishing Manager, added, "We will continue to work hard to make Palworld year 2 even better!"
Palworld debuted on Steam for $30 and was immediately available on Game Pass for Xbox and PC, shattering sales and concurrent player records. The game's launch was so monumental that Pocketpair's CEO, Takuro Mizobe, admitted the company struggled to manage the massive profits. In response, Pocketpair quickly capitalized on the game's success by signing a deal with Sony to establish Palworld Entertainment, a new venture aimed at expanding the IP and bringing the game to PS5.
While Pocketpair focuses on enhancing Palworld, a significant patent lawsuit with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company casts a shadow over its future. Following Palworld's launch, comparisons between Palworld's Pals and Pokémon led to accusations of design copying. Instead of pursuing a copyright infringement lawsuit, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company opted for a patent lawsuit, seeking 5 million yen (approximately $32,846) each, plus late payment damages and an injunction to block Palworld's release.
In November, Pocketpair acknowledged the three Japan-based patents related to catching Pokémon in a virtual field that it is being sued over. Palworld features a similar mechanic where players throw a Pal Sphere at monsters in a field to capture them, reminiscent of the mechanic in the 2022 Nintendo Switch exclusive, Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Recently, Pocketpair modified how players summon Pals, leading to speculation that this change was influenced by the ongoing patent lawsuit.
Patent experts view Nintendo and The Pokémon Company's lawsuit against Pocketpair as a sign of the competitive threat posed by Palworld. The outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain, with Pocketpair determined to defend its position in court, stating, "We will continue to assert our position in this case through future legal proceedings."
Despite the legal challenges, Pocketpair has not slowed down, continuing to roll out major updates for Palworld and forging collaborations with other major video games, including a crossover with Terraria.
