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Palworld is undoubtedly the biggest game of the year so far as well as one of the biggest games ever selling millions of copies in less than a week and in early access. However, despite this success, it has been marred in controversy because of the perceived similarities of its Paldeck to the pocket monsters in Pokémon. Lots of people have been wondering if Nintendo and Pokémon is going to sue Palworld, and the Pokémon Company has released a statement.
Although it’s sold over 7 million copies in less than a week, you can actually play the game entirely for free through the Game Pass January 2024 selection. Again, it’s only in early access, but an official roadmap has been released promising bug fixes and new features such as more Pals, bosses, and islands throughout the early access period.
The game is undeniably lots of fun, and it has already gathered a massive fanbase. Lots of people are wondering if Pokémon is going to sue Palworld though, and, while action isn’t being taken, the company has released a statement.
Is Pokémon going to sue Palworld?
The Pokémon Company has not said they’re going to sue Palworld, but they have released an official statement on January 25th. This statement comes courtesy of the IP’s corporate JP website and, although Palworld is not mentioned by name, the quote says they are investigating ‘any infringement of intellectual property rights related to Pokémon and take appropriate measures’.
Below is the statement in full:
‘We have received many inquiries from customers about other companies’ games released in January 2024 saying that they are similar to Pokémon, as well as inquiries to see if they are licensed by us. We do not license any use of Pokemon in this game. In addition, we will investigate any infringement of intellectual property rights related to Pokémon and take appropriate measures.
‘We will continue to bring out the individuality of each Pokémon, carefully protect and nurture that world, and work to connect the world with Pokémon.’
Again, Palworld is not mentioned by name, but it’s clearly alluded to with the reference to other ‘companies’ games released in January 2024′. The early access survival game launched on January 19th, 2024.
Pocketpair’s statement on Palworld and Pokémon comparisons
While the Pokémon Company has released a statement of intent to investigate, Pocketpair has already levied a defense in response to all the comparisons between their Pals and Nintendo’s pocket monsters. Speaking to the website Automation, Pocketpair’s CEO Takuro Mizobe said the game ‘cleared legal reviews’ and that “we have absolutely no intention of infringing upon the intellectual property of other companies”.
He also said that ‘in his personal opinion, Palworld is not at all that similar to Pokémon, even citing other IPs that Palworld more closely resembles’ such as ARK Survival Evolved. It’s important to reiterate again that there are no lawsuits against the game as of January 25th, 2024.
For more help with Pocketpair’s survival epic, you can find our guide to the full Paldeck. We have also a guide to the fastest flying and grounded mounts, and you should also learn the dupe glitch so you can farm infinite resources.
