The Pokémon Company has announced an investigation into a game released by another company amid suggestions of intellectual property rights infringement.
It is heavily implied that Palworld, a survival adventure game by PocketPair, known for its creature feature akin to Pokémon, but with a unique twist of incorporating guns. Launched on Steam and Xbox, Palworld has sold over 8 million copies since January 2024.
PocketPairs CEO Takuro Mizobe reported receiving harmful comments towards their artists, reflecting the game's controversial nature. The Pokémon Company, backed by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures, made a statement on its corporate website that no permission was given for using Pokémons intellectual property in Palworld. Nintendo, protective of its IP rights, has not commented on the case.
The comparison between Palworld and Pokémon, especially regarding monster designs, has been a topic of interest. The Pokémon Company's statement emphasized a commitment to safeguarding its intellectual property. Palworld has seen a mix of success and scrutiny, with its early access release garnering significant attention.
This unfolding scenario could be a fascinating development in the gaming world. As a game enthusiast, I am intrigued by how The Pokémon Company's investigation will impact both PocketPair and the industry as a whole, especially if we consider how Nintendo, and by extension, Pokémon Company, are known for their rather heavy-handed tactics in defending their intellectual properties.
If you're looking to read more on Palworld, have a look at Is Palworld co-op? and Pocketpair shows off 17 new Pals in Pal Reveal Trailer, here on Pro Game Guides!
Published: Jan 25, 2024 04:06 am