Summary
According to the CEO of Pocketpair,Palworldcould potentially become a free-to-play game in the future. Many major studios are trying to release successful live service titles these days, and it seems that using the huge success ofPalworldto pave the way for a free-to-play live service model is being weighed as a possibility by the game’s developers.
Released in early access in January 2024,Palworldis one of the biggest hits of 2024. The so-called “Pokemonwith guns” title combined survival mechanics and quick-paced combat with cute monsters for players to capture, attracting over 25 million players in its first month. Now, the game’s developers are trying to decide how to use this somewhat unexpected success to securePalworld’s future.
In a recent interview with ASCII.jp (translated by Automaton), Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe talked about the long-term plans forPalworld, indicating that the team has considered implementing a live-service model but has not yet made a decision. While Mizobe believes that turningPalworldinto a free-to-play live-service game would make it more profitable and extend its lifespan, there would be complications.Palworldwas initially sold as a $30 game, and millions of people have already purchased it. “It is common for live-service games to be free-to-play with paid elements such as skins and battle passes, butPalworldis a buy-to-play game, so it’s difficult to turn it into a live-service game from the ground up,” the CEO said. However,Palworld’s player count has been declining lately, which is likely what makes this idea attractive.
Pocketpair CEO Still Doesn’t Know the Future of Palworld
It is common for live-service games to be free-to-play with paid elements such as skins and battle passes, but Palworld is a buy-to-play game, so it’s difficult to turn it into a live-service game from the ground up.
Palworldreceived a massive player count spike in June, soon after a major update and its first price reduction during the Steam Summer Sale. Updates and a low price could keep the game’s player base engaged, but Mizobe is also aware that making such a drastic change is a risky move, especially so early in development. During the interview, the dev cited bothPUGBandFall Guysas examples of games that shifted to F2P, but they both took several years to do it.
While the future ofPalworldis still unknown, it seems that some of Pocketpair’s short-term moves may already be clear. At the moment, there are rumors thata PS5 port forPalworldwill be officially announcedat the Tokyo Game Show, which starts on September 26. While the information is still unconfirmed, this could be great news for PS5 owners, and may greatly expand the title’s user base without the need for more major changes.
Palworld
WHERE TO PLAY
In this game, you can peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals or risk your life to drive off a ruthless poaching syndicate. Pals can be used to fight and breed, or they can be made to work on farms or factories. You can even sell them or eat them.Survival: In a harsh environment where food is scarce and vicious poachers roam, danger waits around every corner. To survive, you must tread carefully and make difficult choices…even if that means eating your own Pals when the time comes.Mounts & Exploration: Pals can be mounted to traverse the land, sea and sky—allowing you to traverse all kinds of environment as you explore the world.Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!
