For those worried that Palworld may follow a full live-service model, relief is in sight: developer Pocketpair has explicitly ruled out making it free-to-play.
Palworld’s business model allows it to pivot to a free-to-play approach if desired, having amassed significant revenue through its successful launch, positioning the game for long-term sustainability.
The video game genre it inhabits has shifted towards free-to-play models, relying on microtransactions and DLC for revenue. In a recent interview with ASCII Japan, translated by Automaton, Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe was asked whether Palworld would adopt a live-service model during its lifespan.
“When viewed from an enterprise perspective, developing Palworld as a live-service game could significantly extend its lifespan and enhance profitability by providing a steady stream of revenue.” “Initially, the sport wasn’t conceived with this approach in mind, so there are likely numerous hurdles to overcome when taking it down the live-service path.” He also noted how games like PUBG and Fall Guys successfully transitioned to free-to-play models, albeit after “several years of gradual adaptation.” While the concept of a live-service model may seem appealing for business, its complexities cannot be underestimated.
Despite this feedback, concerns were raised by followers regarding whether Pocketpair intends to transform Palworld into a live-service game, prompting the official Palworld Twitter account to provide clarity on Mizobe’s comments. As we reflect on our conversation from several months ago, the publisher noted that the team remains committed to finding ways forward for Palworld, with a focus on crafting a lasting game that will continue to evolve. Despite ongoing internal discussions, pinpointing a definitive approach proves challenging; however, we’ve already concluded that the free-to-play game-as-a-service model isn’t suitable for our needs.
Although Palworld wasn’t initially conceptualized with that mannequin in mind, a significant overhaul would be necessary to implement such changes effectively, potentially requiring substantial development efforts. While being mindful of our gamers’ requirements, we’re acutely aware that this approach falls short of their expectations.
While Pocketpair considers future developments such as skins and DLC, the company is keenly aware that any decisions regarding these features would need to be discussed with the gaming community at large.
Palworld, recently spotted on the Tokyo Game Show’s list of featured titles, is poised for a PS5 release, making it an exciting prospect for Sony console enthusiasts to keep an eye out for in the coming weeks.
