The Pokémon Company has stated that it will “investigate” Palworld, having issued an unexpected response to the controversy that has surrounded the game since its launch into Early Access.
From Japanese developer Pocket Pair, their “multiplayer, open-world survival and crafting game” has proven to be a breakout hit having sold more than eight million copies on Steam in less than six days.
It invites you to survive in a world where you can choose to peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals or put your life at risk to defeat a ruthless poaching syndicate. You can use your Pals to fight, put them to work on farms or factories, sell them or even choose to eat them.
While the monster-catching comparisons to the long-running Pokémon series are obvious, it is the Pal designs that have drawn criticism and evidenced accusations of plagiarism. Pocket Pair remain adamant that Palworld has cleared its legal reviews, but the scale of attention that now surrounds the game forced The Pokémon Company to comment.
“We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024,” The Pokémon Company began in its response.
“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 the Pokémon.
“We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future.”
Palworld is now available digitally in Early Access on Steam and Xbox Series X|S worldwide.
