The Pokemon Company Comments on Palworld Concerns

This past week Palworld has taken the gaming world by storm. Not only did it achieve 8 million in sales in under a week, it currently holds the second highest peak player count on Steam.

With so many players talking about the smash hit, one of the biggest questions is regarding the similarities to Pokemon. While gameplay is different, several of the pals were clearly inspired by iconic Pokemon, such as Leafeon.

Following countless debates on the matter, The Pokemon Company issued a statement addressing said concerns.

他社ゲームに関するお問い合わせについて 2024.01.25

お客様から、2024年1月に発売された他社ゲームに関して、ポケモンに類似しているというご意見と、弊社が許諾したものかどうかを確認するお問い合わせを多数いただいております。弊社は同ゲームに対して、ポケモンのいかなる利用も許諾しておりません。

なお、ポケモンに関する知的財産権の侵害行為に対しては、調査を行った上で、適切な対応を取っていく所存です。
 
弊社はこれからもポケモン１匹１匹の個性を引き出し、その世界を大切に守り育てながら、ポケモンで世界をつなぐための取り組みを行ってまいります。

株式会社ポケモン
 

Inquiries Regarding Other Companies’ Games

We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game. We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future.

The Pokémon Company

The Pokemon Company

Time will tell if The Pokemon Company decides to pursue legal action, but in the mean time there is no better time to give Palworld a go.

A roadmap was recently shared showing plans for raid bosses, PVP, additional content, and other quality of life fixes. And if that doesn’t quite catch you, the official overview can be found below.

About Palworld

Q. What kind of game is this?

A. 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, 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.

Building Structures
Want to build a pyramid? Put an army of Pals on the job. Don’t worry; there are no labor laws for Pals.

Production
Make use of Pals and their skills to make fire, generate electricity, or mine ore so that you can live a life of comfort.

Farming
Some Pals are good at planting seeds, while others are skilled at watering or harvesting crops. Work together with your Pals to create an idyllic farmstead.

Factories & Automation
Letting Pals do the work is the key to automation. Build a factory, place a Pal in it, and they’ll keep working as long as they’re fed—until they’re dead, that is.

Dungeon Exploration
With Pals on your side you can tackle even the most dangerous areas. When the time comes, you might have to sacrifice one to save your skin. They’ll protect your life—even if it costs their own.

Breeding & Genetics
Breed a Pal and it will inherit the characteristics of its parents. Combine rare pals to create the strongest Pal of them all!

Poaching & Crime
Endangered Pals live in wildlife sanctuaries. Sneak in and capture rare Pals to get rich quick! It’s not a crime if you don’t get caught, after all.

Multiplayer
Multiplayer is supported, so invite a friend and go on an adventure together! And of course you can battle your friends and trade Pals, too.

In online co-op play mode, up to 4 players can play together.
Additionally, a dedicated server can allow up to 32 players to play together.

Note: PvP will be implemented in a future update.
Note: The maximum number of players playable on the same server will also be increased in a future update.

Steam Listing