Pocketpair Cultivates a Passionate Publishing Division for Palworld
By Palworld creator Pocketpair has inaugurated a new publishing sector that aims to offer developers as much assistance as they require “without overreaching.”
Pocketpair Publishing will offer financial options, development aid, and publishing support. The emerging publisher is looking to collaborate with “independent creators and small studios.”
It has already committed to providing development and financial assistance to Surgent Studios so that the Tales of Kenzara creators can “achieve their full potential.” This announcement follows a period earlier this year when Surgent implemented layoffs leading up to ahiatus as it sought potential funding partners.
Surgent CEO Abubakar Salim outlined that the UK studio now plans to create a “short and unique” horror title with support from Pocketpair.
Pocketpair’s publishing aspirations
In discussing Pocketpair Publishing’s broader goals, department lead John Buckley stated that the company aims to assist creators in “chasing their aspirations.”
“At Pocketpair, there is nothing we cherish more than games, and Pocketpair Publishing represents our newest initiative to enhance the gaming experience globally,” he mentioned. “Game development comes with numerous hurdles, but we strive to simplify that journey and offer a space where creators can fulfill their ambitions.”
Pocketpair has seen significant growth following the success of its monster-catching survival shooter Palworld, which has become a massive hit. As of February 2024, the game had attracted over 25 million players, propelling the Japanese studio into the spotlight.
This success enabled the company to establish Palworld Entertainment in collaboration with Sony Music and Aniplex. The joint venture aims to “grow and create new endeavors related to the popular game.”
Pocketpair also caught the attention of Nintendo and The Pokemon Company, which last year sued the studio over claims of patent violation concerning Palworld.
Palworld has informally become known as ‘Pokemon with firearms,’ yet it remains unclear which specific patents Nintendo and The Pokemon Company believe the game has infringed upon.
About the Author
News Editor, GameDeveloper.com
Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist with more than a decade of experience in the gaming sector. His articles have featured in reputable print and digital platforms including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events such as GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has served on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards several times and has been a guest on BBC Radio 5 Live discussing breaking news.