Palworld Developer Comments On Nintendo\'s \'Pokémon Rip-Off\' Investigation

Six months after Palworld's early access launch, its developer reports no official plagiarism complaints from Nintendo. Recall that in January, The Pokémon Company announced an investigation into potential copyright infringement by a competing game, hinting at possible legal action. However, Nintendo appears to have taken no further steps. Meanwhile, Palworld developers are focused on the game's full release later this year.

Palworld, an open-world monster-catching game, features creatures called "Pals." Players capture and utilize these Pals for combat, labor, and transportation. Firearms are also integrated, allowing players and their Pals to defend against hostile factions. Pals can be deployed in battles or assigned base duties like crafting and cooking. Each Pal possesses a unique Partner Skill. While similarities to the Pokémon franchise exist in certain mechanics and character designs, Nintendo's response has been notably absent.

According to Game File, Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe states he's received no communication from Nintendo or The Pokémon Company, despite the latter's initial public statement. Mizobe emphasized his love and respect for Pokémon, highlighting its influence on his generation. Despite the lack of legal action, online comparisons between the games persist, fueled further by Palworld's recent Sakurajima update.

Pocketpair CEO Rejects Nintendo's Copyright Claims

In a January blog post, Mizobe also revealed that Palworld's 100 character concepts originated with a 2021 graduate hire. The game, described as "Pokémon with guns" due to its unique premise, rapidly gained popularity after its release, satisfying fan demand for an open-world monster-catching game on multiple platforms beyond Nintendo consoles.

Initial Palworld trailers sparked online speculation about the game's authenticity due to its resemblance to Pokémon. Pocketpair has suggested a PlayStation release is possible, but further console ports remain unannounced.