The Pokemon Company has announced its intention to investigate the game Palworld and take appropriate measures after claims that the developer, Pocketpair, used Pokemon intellectual property or assets without permission.
This is the first time The Pokemon Company has publicly addressed Palworld, a survival game that has gained rapid popularity, selling over 8 million copies in less than six days, surpassing even the most popular AAA titles. Despite concerns about similarities to Pokemon and accusations of plagiarism, Palworld has resonated with players due to its blend of monster collecting, automation, and survival/crafting mechanics.
Available on PCs via Steam and on Xbox, Palworld taps into the demand for a modernized approach to the monster taming genre, which Pokemon initiated but has not significantly evolved. Whether driven by genuine interest or a desire to challenge Nintendo, the main distributor of Pokemon games, players have embraced Palworld for its innovative concept.
Pocketpair, the developer who released the game on January 19, has emphasized that Palworld has more in common with titles such as Ark Survival than with Pokemon. The company’s CEO, Takuro Mizobe, has also highlighted that the team has faced negative comments and even received what appeared to be death threats.
In a statement on its website, The Pokemon Company clarified their position: “We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game. We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to Pokémon.”
The statement further expressed the company’s commitment to preserving the world of Pokemon and emphasized their ongoing dedication to the Pokemon universe.
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