Since its early access launch in January 2024, *Palworld* has attracted over 32 million players across all platforms, including PC via Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation 5. Dubbed "Pokémon with guns" before its record-breaking release, the crafting and survival game has captured the attention of gamers worldwide.
"Thank you so much!" Pocketpair expressed on X (formerly Twitter). "As always, your support means the world to us!"
John 'Bucky' Buckley, Pocketpair's Communications Director and Publishing Manager, added, "We will continue to work hard to make Palworld year 2 even better!"
*Palworld* launched on Steam for $30 and was immediately available on Game Pass for Xbox and PC, breaking sales and concurrent player number records. The game's massive success overwhelmed Pocketpair, with CEO Takuro Mizobe admitting the developer couldn't handle the enormous profits generated. In response, Pocketpair quickly capitalized on the game's popularity by signing a deal with Sony to create Palworld Entertainment, a new business focused on expanding the IP and bringing the game to PS5.
As Pocketpair continues to update *Palworld*, a high-profile patent lawsuit with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company looms on the horizon. Following *Palworld*'s launch, comparisons were drawn between *Palworld*'s Pals and Pokémon, with some accusing Pocketpair of copying Pokémon designs. Instead of pursuing a copyright infringement lawsuit, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company opted for a patent lawsuit, seeking 5 million yen (approximately $32,846) each, plus late payment damages, and an injunction to block *Palworld*'s release.
In November, Pocketpair confirmed the three Japan-based patents it is being sued over, which involve catching Pokémon in a virtual field. *Palworld* features a similar mechanic where players throw a ball-like object called a Pal Sphere to capture monsters in the field, reminiscent of the mechanic in the 2022 Nintendo Switch exclusive *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*. Recently, Pocketpair modified how players summon Pals, leading to speculation that the change was related to the ongoing patent infringement lawsuit.
Patent experts view Nintendo and The Pokémon Company's lawsuit against Pocketpair as evidence of the threat posed by *Palworld*. The outcome of this legal battle is eagerly anticipated, with Pocketpair vowing to defend its position in court, stating, "We will continue to assert our position in this case through future legal proceedings."
Despite the legal challenges, Pocketpair has continued to release major updates for *Palworld* and has even pursued collaborations with other major video games, including a *Terraria* crossover.
