Japanese developer
Pocketpair
released its latest action-adventure, survival and monster-taming title
Palworld
a few days ago. This open-world game includes animal-like creatures known as "Pals” that allegedly look like the popular Pokemon characters.
Now,
The Pokemon Company
has shared a statement (seen by The Verge) where the company has (indirectly) warned the developers that it is aware of a “game released in January 2024” and is planning to “take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on
intellectual property
rights related to the Pokémon.”
Read what The Pokemon Company said
“We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024.
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.”
Why The Pokemon Company may investigate Palworld
Soon after Palworld’s release, social media users compared the
Pals
in the game with the popular Pokemon monsters owned by
Nintendo
. Some users also criticised the game’s developer for straight-up plagiarism.
However, Pocketpair’s CEO Takuro Mizobe has reportedly denied the allegations. Nintendo has also taken down a trailer for a mod made by YouTuber ToastedShoes., the report adds This mod replaced Palworld’s Pals with Pokémon. In this video, the YouTuber detailed his experience with the mod.
The title has been very popular among Steam users. Developer Pocketpair also claimed that it had already sold eight million copies of the game within a few days of its release.
The studio has also released a roadmap laying out plans for the game’s future.
English (US) ·