'Pokemon With Guns': Pokemon Company Set To Defend IP Against Viral Game 'Palworld'

Currently in early access on Steam, "Palworld" has achieved significant success since its launch on January 18, amassing over 8 million copies sold.

"Palworld" allows players to utilise firearms to capture and train endearing creatures called "pals".

Source : Pocket Pair

In response to the recent surge in popularity surrounding the Japanese-developed game "Palworld," The Pokemon Company announced on Thursday its commitment to scrutinising and addressing potential violations of its intellectual property rights. The survival adventure game, created by PocketPair, has gained widespread attention, earning the moniker "Pokemon with guns."

Currently in early access on Steam, "Palworld" has achieved significant success since its launch on January 18, amassing over 8 million copies sold. The game, which allows players to utilise firearms to capture and train endearing creatures called "pals," is also accessible on the Xbox platform. While reviewers have lauded its gameplay, discussions have arisen regarding perceived similarities to the family-friendly Pokemon series.

Takuro Mizobe, the CEO of PocketPair, disclosed in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter) that the company has encountered disparaging comments about its artists and has observed tweets resembling potential threats. As of now, PocketPair has not provided any comments in response to these developments.

ポケットペアという会社が、どういう経緯を経てパルワールドを開発したのか書いてみました！
3日後の発売を前にして震えてます。

死ぬほど長文になりましたが、面白かったらいいね・RTお願いします！！

3日後に命運が決まる、パルワールドという偶然の物語https://t.co/d2SuNqGrPF

— Takuro Mizobe | Craftopia, Palworld (@urokuta_ja) January 16, 2024

The Pokemon Company, established with financial support from gaming giants Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures, issued a statement addressing the situation. The company acknowledged the numerous inquiries received regarding a game released by another company in January 2024 and expressed its intent to thoroughly investigate and take appropriate measures against any actions infringing on intellectual property rights associated with Pokemon.

Nintendo, one of the key investors in The Pokemon Company, refrained from commenting on specific cases. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the complex intersection of creative inspiration and intellectual property concerns within the gaming industry.

Here's a trailer for "Palworld":