Pokémon Company Takes Action: Investigating Palworld's Alleged Similarities

The Pokémon Company has broken its silence on the brewing controversy surrounding the striking similarities between Pokémon designs and creatures featured in Pocketpair's Palworld. The unexpected gaming hit, Palworld, has gained immense popularity, amassing over 8 million copies in less than a week since its early access launch on January 19.

While Palworld deviates from Pokémon's turn-based RPG format, its monster-collecting survival crafting concept has earned it the moniker "Pokémon with guns." Fans and players have drawn comparisons since the game's reveal, sparking discussions and debates across gaming communities.

In response to growing concerns and inquiries, The Pokémon Company issued a statement on its corporate website, acknowledging the situation and revealing its intent to investigate the matter. The statement reads, "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 Pokémon."

The Pokémon Company expresses its commitment to safeguarding its intellectual property and ensuring that the Pokémon world is preserved. The statement concludes with a pledge to cherish and nurture the Pokémon universe while working to unite the global community through Pokémon in the future.

As debates surrounding Palworld's alleged similarities with Pokémon intensify, The Pokémon Company's decision to investigate underscores the significance of protecting intellectual property rights within the gaming industry. The outcome of this investigation could have implications for both Palworld and the broader gaming landscape.