Game Dev Responds to Nintendo's 'Palworld' Inquiry

Six months after Palworld's early access launch, its developer reports no official plagiarism complaint from Nintendo. Back in January, The Pokémon Company announced an investigation into potential copyright infringement, hinting at legal action. However, Nintendo appears to have taken no further steps. Meanwhile, Palworld's developers are focused on the game's full release later this year.

Palworld, an open-world monster-catching game, features creatures called "Pals." Players capture and utilize Pals in combat, labor, and as mounts. Firearms are also integrated, allowing both self-defense and equipping Pals for combat against hostile factions. Pals can be summoned for battles or assigned base tasks like crafting and cooking. Each Pal possesses a unique Partner Skill. While similarities to the Pokémon franchise exist, Nintendo has seemingly chosen not to pursue the matter.

According to Game File, Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe states he's received no communication from Nintendo or The Pokémon Company, contradicting the latter's earlier public statement. Mizobe emphasized his love for Pokémon, stating, "Nothing at all. Nintendo and the Pokémon Company didn’t say anything to us. Of course I love Pokémon and respect it. I grew up with it, in my generation." Despite the lack of legal action, comparisons between the games persist, fueled further by Palworld's recent Sakurajima update.

Pocketpair CEO Denies Nintendo Copyright Complaints

In a January blog post, Mizobe explained that Palworld's 100 character concepts originated from a 2021 hire, a recent graduate. The game's unique "Pokémon with guns" premise and availability on multiple platforms contributed to its rapid popularity, fulfilling a long-standing fan desire for an open-world monster-catching game beyond Nintendo consoles.

Initial Palworld trailers sparked speculation of the game being a hoax, likely due to its resemblance to Pokémon. Pocketpair has hinted at a PlayStation release, but other console ports remain unannounced.