Overview
- Pocketpair’s communications director expresses dissatisfaction with Palworld being labeled as “Pokemon with guns,”acknowledging its impact on the game’s success.
- While sharing visual similarities with Pokemon, Palworld draws inspiration from ARK, aiming to provide distinctive and character-rich creature experiences.
- The team invites players to explore Palworld firsthand, asserting that it encompasses far more than the simplistic label suggests.
The communications director of Pocketpair has publicly stated that the studio is not fond of the moniker “Pokemon with guns” when referring to their game, Palworld. This description has emerged frequently since the game’s launch, mainly due to its creature aesthetics and monster-capturing gameplay. However, the team feels that this comparison does not truly capture the essence of their creation.
Following its launch in 2024, Palworld experienced an unexpected surge in popularity, amassing over 32 million players across different platforms by February 2025. The game allows players to capture “Pals,”which can be utilized for various activities, including combat, exploration, and base building. Despite superficial similarities to the beloved Pokemon franchise, Palworld distinguishes itself through the utilization of firearms that enable both players and their creatures to engage in combat, leading to the catchy yet oversimplified label.
In a recent discussion during the Game Developers Conference in March 2025, John Buckley, Pocketpair’s communications director, elaborated on the persistent label attributed to Palworld. He noted that following its revelation in June 2021, although the initial reception was overwhelmingly positive, the game was “very quickly branded” as merely “Pokemon with guns.” Buckley expressed that, while the team has made significant efforts to move past this label, it remains prevalent and has not resonated well with their vision for the game.
Pocketpair’s Discontent with the ‘Pokemon with Guns’ Moniker
Buckley also clarified that the foundation of Palworld’s design originated from inspirations drawn from ARK. He highlighted the studio’s admiration for ARK’s emphasis on dinosaurs and sought to replicate that dynamic but infused with unique qualities. His intent was to bring forth creatures that exhibit greater personality, skills, and individuality. However, upon the release of Palworld’s first trailer, reviewers hastily labeled it “Pokemon with guns,”overshadowing the innovative aspects the team aimed to emphasize.
Despite their aversion to this misconception, Buckley acknowledged that the catchy description has inadvertently contributed to Palworld’s rising popularity. He conveyed that while he is okay with fans using the term, the real concern arises when individuals perceive the game as nothing more than a mere clone of another franchise. Buckley urges potential players to experience Palworld for themselves, revealing a richly developed world filled with unique experiences. The game is currently available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, with a potential release on the anticipated Switch 2 in the future.