At the recent Game Developers Conference (GDC), we had the opportunity to sit down with John "Bucky" Buckley, the communications director and publishing manager for Pocketpair, the developers behind the hit game Palworld. Following his insightful talk titled 'Community Management Summit: A Palworld Roller Coaster: Surviving the Drop,' Buckley shared candid details about the challenges Palworld faced, including accusations of using generative AI and copying Pokémon models, which have since been debunked. He also touched on the unexpected patent infringement lawsuit from Nintendo, describing it as a "shock" to the studio.
Given the depth of our conversation, we've decided to publish the full extended interview here, while also offering shorter, focused pieces on specific topics such as the potential for Palworld on the Nintendo Switch 2, reactions to the "Pokemon with guns" label, and thoughts on studio acquisition.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity:
IGN: Let's start with the lawsuit you mentioned in your talk. Has it impacted the development and updates of Palworld?
John Buckley: No, it hasn't made it harder to update the game or move forward. It's more of a constant presence that affects our morale. It hasn't slowed down development, but it has required legal attention, which is handled by our top executives.
IGN: You seemed to dislike the "Pokemon with guns" label. Can you explain why?
Buckley: It's a misconception that this was our initial goal. Our aim was to create something more akin to ARK: Survival Evolved, with a focus on automation and unique creature personalities. The "Pokemon with guns" label emerged after our first trailer, and while it caught attention, it doesn't accurately represent the game's essence.
IGN: You mentioned not understanding Palworld's sudden popularity. Do you think the "Pokemon with guns" label played a role?
Buckley: Absolutely, it was a significant factor. However, it's frustrating when people believe that's all the game is without trying it. We'd prefer if players gave it a chance before forming an opinion.
IGN: If you could, how would you describe Palworld?
Buckley: I'd say it's like ARK if it met Factorio and Happy Tree Friends. It's a unique blend that doesn't roll off the tongue as easily, but it's a more accurate description.
IGN: How did the AI slop accusations affect your team?
Buckley: It was a massive blow, especially for our artists. The accusations are baseless and deeply upsetting. We tried to refute them with an art book, but it's challenging when our team prefers to stay out of the public eye, especially our female artists in Japan.
IGN: The industry is grappling with generative AI. How do you respond to those accusations?
Buckley: The claims are largely unfounded, stemming from a misinterpreted comment by our CEO and a misunderstood party game we developed. It's frustrating, but we continue to focus on our work.
IGN: What's your view on the state of online gaming communities?
Buckley: Social media is crucial for us, especially in our primary markets like Japan and China. However, the intensity of online communities can be overwhelming. While we understand emotional reactions, death threats are unacceptable and illogical.
IGN: Do you think social media is getting worse?
Buckley: There's a trend of people saying the opposite just for reaction, which can be discouraging. Fortunately, Palworld has largely avoided such controversies, focusing more on gameplay feedback.
IGN: You mentioned that the majority of the backlash came from Western audiences. Why do you think that is?
Buckley: It's puzzling. We've tried to understand it, but it seems our approach of targeting overseas markets while maintaining a Japanese flair might be a factor. The backlash has significantly decreased over time.
Palworld Screens
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IGN: Has Palworld's success changed how Pocketpair operates?
Buckley: It has influenced our future plans, but our studio culture remains unchanged. We're hiring more developers and artists to speed up development, but we're keeping the company size manageable.
IGN: Will you continue to support Palworld long-term?
Buckley: Absolutely, Palworld is here to stay. We're exploring how it can evolve, but we're also committed to other projects like Craftopia. Palworld is now both a game and an IP, with different trajectories.
IGN: Would you consider releasing Palworld on the Nintendo Switch?
Buckley: If we could optimize it for the current Switch, we would. We're also considering the Switch 2, but we need to see the specs first. Our experience with the Steam Deck has been positive, so we're open to more handheld releases.
IGN: What's your message to those who misunderstand Palworld?
Buckley: I think many people form opinions based on drama rather than the game itself. I encourage them to try it. We're considering a demo to give people a taste of what Palworld really is. We're not the 'seedy and scummy' company some believe us to be; we're just protecting our team.
IGN: How do you view the competition in the gaming industry?
Buckley: Competition is often manufactured for marketing. We don't see ourselves in direct competition with other games like Pokémon. Instead, we focus on timing and ensuring our game stands out. Interestingly, a significant portion of our players also bought Helldivers 2, suggesting a shared audience for co-op and fun gameplay.
