The recently unveiled monster-fighting game, Palworld, has drawn attention for being likened to Pokémon with firearms. However, the developers at Pocketpair express their dissatisfaction with this label, emphasizing their desire for the game to be appreciated on its own merits.
During a conversation with IGN at the Game Developers Conference, John Buckley, the director of publishing and communications at Pocketpair, discussed the studio’s aspirations and the impressive trajectory of Palworld’s success. Reflecting on the “Pokémon with guns”characterization, Buckley remarked:
“We revealed the game to the world in June of 2021, so quite a few years ago. We posted a trailer at what’s called Indie Live Expo, which is an indie gaming event in Japan. We showed this off to the Japanese audience initially, we had a really, really good reception. But very quickly, Western media got eyes on this little game, and we were very quickly branded, as early as 2021, as a ‘certain franchise’ plus guns. This would be something that has stuck with us to this very day, despite our best efforts to shake that off.”
Buckley further clarified that Pocketpair never intended for Pokémon to serve as the inspiration for Palworld. He noted that when pitching the game, the team instead pointed to another popular title as their creative blueprint. Released in 2024, Palworld allows players to engage in battles, capture creatures known as Pals, and utilize them for construction, combat, and traversal.
Development Influences: A Shift Towards ARK
Unforeseen Comparisons to Pokémon
Instead of following Pokémon’s well-trodden path, the Pocketpair team found greater inspiration in ARK: Survival Evolved. Buckley revealed that many team members are avid fans of ARK, which influenced his previous project, Craftopia. He explained their development vision:
“Let’s create something akin to ARK but with a stronger focus on automation and making each creature unique.” Buckley indicated that the team was taken aback by the Pokémon comparisons, insisting that Palworld “isn’t remotely like”the beloved franchise.
Regardless of its origins, Palworld has attracted scrutiny from both players and industry observers, including Nintendo, which has accused Pocketpair of infringing upon certain Pokémon patents concerning gameplay mechanics.
The Impact of “Pokémon With Guns”on Popularity
Leveraging a Respected Brand
Although Buckley expresses frustration with the term, he acknowledges that being dubbed “Pokémon with guns”played a significant role in garnering attention for Palworld, effectively amplifying its visibility. Nevertheless, he and the Pocketpair team argue that Palworld and Pokémon cater to distinct audiences, stating, “I don’t believe the audiences overlap significantly.” However, Nintendo’s reaction suggests otherwise.
With Pokémon’s extensive presence in diverse media—including games, movies, and television—its influence is indisputable. Even individuals unfamiliar with the franchise recognize its hallmark features. Unsurprisingly, Pokémon’s fan base showed interest in Palworld upon its launch, leading to further comparisons.
For new game releases, especially from indie studios, gaining traction can be challenging. The parallels to a well-established and cherished game invariably helped elevate Palworld’s profile. As the game builds its own community, Pocketpair is keenly exploring future directions for its franchise. Challenges remain in dissociating Palworld from its initial, widely circulated moniker, yet the developers remain committed to their vision.
Source: IGN