Tag Archives: Pocketpair

Games, Gaming, News

Palworld next update will include a major collab

Palworld fans, get ready for an exciting fusion of two beloved gaming worlds! Pocketpair has officially announced Palworld: Tides of Terraria, a major summer update that brings the sandbox adventure of Terraria into the monster-catching survival mechanics of Palworld. This crossover promises new Pals, islands, enemies, and biome-specific gameplay elements, making it one of the most ambitious updates yet.

What’s Coming in “Tides of Terraria”

Terraria-Inspired Pals & Boss Battles

One of the most thrilling aspects of this update is the introduction of Terraria-themed Pals. The teaser images reveal bioluminescent creatures, icy terrains, and electrified penguin-like companions. Players will also encounter classic Terraria bosses, including a monstrous eye, strongly resembling the Eye of Cthulhu.

New Islands & Biome-Specific Gameplay

Palworld’s expansive open world is about to get even bigger. The update introduces new islands, each influenced by Terraria’s distinctive 2D sandbox style. Expect corruption biome-inspired creatures, jellyfish-like monsters, and revamped environments that blend the aesthetics of both games.

Fishing & Survival Mechanics

A teaser image shows a Palworld character fishing, hinting that Terraria’s fishing mechanics will be integrated into Palworld. This could mean new crafting recipes, survival strategies, and resource gathering methods.

Palworld has carved out a unique niche by combining monster-catching, survival mechanics, and crafting. The addition of Terraria content not only expands gameplay possibilities but also introduces a nostalgia factor for fans of Terraria’s pixelated universe. This crossover is a bold move that aims to unite fanbases and refresh Palworld’s content offerings ahead of a busy summer gaming season.

Palworld: Tides of Terraria is set to launch this summer, with more details to be revealed via social media in the coming weeks. Fans are eagerly awaiting a full list of new Pals, potential boss raids, and additional surprises.

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

A new Palworld patch was an undesired effect from Nintendo

Palworld, the monster-collecting survival game that took the gaming world by storm, is undergoing yet another transformation. Pocketpair, the studio behind the game, has announced a significant change in response to its ongoing legal battle with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The latest update, Patch v0.5.5, removes the ability to glide using Pals, replacing it with a standard glider item.

This decision follows previous adjustments made in Patch v0.3.11, which eliminated the ability to summon Pals by throwing Pal Spheres—a mechanic that bore a striking resemblance to Pokémon’s Poké Balls. While many expected the lawsuit to focus on character designs, Nintendo’s legal action has instead targeted gameplay mechanics, citing patent infringements related to creature-catching and traversal systems.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the continued support of our fans over the past few months. We apologize for not being able to share as much information as we would like, but we trust our fans understand how difficult it is to be fully transparent while litigation is ongoing.

Currently, we remain involved in prolonged legal proceedings regarding alleged patent infringement. We continue to dispute these claims and assert the invalidity of the patents in question. However, we have had to make certain compromises in order to avoid disruptions to the development and distribution of Palworld.

On November 30th, 2024, we released Patch v0.3.11 for Palworld. This patch removed the ability to summon Pals by throwing Pal Spheres and instead changed it to a static summon next to the player. Several other game mechanics were also changed with this patch. As many have speculated, these changes were indeed a result of the ongoing litigation. Everyone here at Pocketpair was disappointed that this adjustment had to be made, and we fully understand that many players feel the same frustration. Unfortunately, as the alternative would have led to an even greater deterioration of the gameplay experience for players, it was determined that this change was necessary.

Furthermore, we regret to inform our players that with the implementation of Patch v0.5.5, we must make yet another compromise. From this patch onward, gliding will be performed using a glider rather than with Pals. Pals in the player’s team will still provide passive buffs to gliding, but players will now need to have a glider in their inventory in order to glide.

We understand that this will be disappointing for many, just as it is for us, but we hope our fans understand that these changes are necessary in order to prevent further disruptions to the development of Palworld.

We also want to extend our apologies to our fans for the discomfort and concern this ongoing litigation has caused.

We remain committed to developing Palworld and delivering exciting new content to our fans.
On behalf of everyone at Pocketpair and Team Palworld, thank you again for your continued support.

For players, this change alters one of Palworld’s most unique traversal mechanics. Previously, players could summon certain Pals to glide across landscapes, adding a dynamic and immersive element to exploration. Now, gliding will require a separate glider item, though Pals will still provide passive buffs to enhance the experience.

Pocketpair acknowledged that this adjustment would be disappointing for many fans but emphasized that it was necessary to “prevent further disruptions to the development of Palworld”. The studio has been transparent about its legal struggles, stating that these compromises are essential to ensuring the game’s continued availability and growth.

Nintendo’s lawsuit against Pocketpair, filed in September 2024, has sparked broader discussions about the use of patents in the gaming industry. While Nintendo argues that Palworld infringes on multiple patents, critics worry that such legal battles could set a precedent for larger companies using litigation to stifle competition.

Despite these challenges, Pocketpair remains committed to developing and expanding Palworld. The studio has reassured players that more updates and content are on the way, even as it navigates legal hurdles.

What’s Next for Palworld?

While the removal of Pal gliding is a setback, Pocketpair’s willingness to adapt suggests that Palworld will continue to evolve. The studio’s new publishing division, Pocketpair Publishing, aims to support indie developers, demonstrating its resilience and commitment to the gaming community.

As the legal battle unfolds, players can expect further adjustments to Palworld’s mechanics. Whether these changes will satisfy Nintendo’s legal claims remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Pocketpair is determined to keep Palworld alive and thriving.

Business, Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Response to the Palworld lawsuit by Pocketpair revealed!

Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, has taken a bold stance in its legal battle against Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The lawsuit, filed in Japan, accuses Palworld of infringing on patents related to monster-catching gameplay mechanics. Pocket Pair, however, has mounted a defense by citing prior works that utilized similar mechanics, arguing that Nintendo’s patents should not have been granted.

Revealed by Gamesfray, Pokectpair filed back in February its defense that went for two months under the radar and the TLDR is that Nintendo is conveniently pointing finger just for the mere selective pointing.

Pocket Pair’s defense hinges on the concept of “prior art,” which refers to previously existing works that demonstrate the mechanics in question were not novel at the time of Nintendo’s patent applications. The developer has listed several games and mods, including Rune Factory 5, Titanfall 2, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, Far Cry 5, Tomb Raider, and Final Fantasy XIV, as examples of prior art.

They argue that these titles already featured mechanics like releasing monsters or capture items, throwable objects, and targeting systems.

Additionally, Pocket Pair has pointed to its own game, Craftopia, as evidence that similar mechanics were already in use before Palworld. The developer also referenced mods like Pocket Souls for Dark Souls 3 and Nukamon for Fallout, as well as games like Monster Hunter 4G and Octopath Traveler, to bolster its case.

As you recall, the lawsuit was filed last year by Nintendo and instead of going of the aesthetic likeness that some Pals have with Pokémon creatures, had the Japanese veteran going for specific legal term with patents which some of the were granted in middle of the lawsuit’s run, specifically patents: 7,545,191, 7,493,117, and 7,528,390. These patents cover various game mechanics, including the use and activation of “rideable characters” and the process of aiming and throwing a captured item at a character to capture it in a virtual space.

Evidently, U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 is the American equivalent and consolidated patent of the previous three.

In a first mode, an aiming direction in a virtual space is determined based on a second operation input, and a player character is caused to launch, in the aiming direction, an item that affects a field character disposed on a field in the virtual space, based on a third operation input. In a second mode, the aiming direction is determined, based on the second operation input, and the player character is caused to launch, in the aiming direction, a fighting character that fights, based on the third operation input.

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are each seeking 5 million yen, plus late payment fees.

This case raises important questions about the balance between intellectual property protection and creative freedom in the gaming industry. While Pocket Pair’s defense challenges the validity of Nintendo’s patents, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.

Games, Gaming, News

Palworld welcomes crossplay among other updates

Palworld, the beloved open-world survival crafting game, has once again captured the hearts of its players with its latest update, version 0.5.0. Developed by Pocketpair, this game has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation, and the recent update is no exception.

Here’s a deep dive into the exciting new features and enhancements that have been introduced.

Crossplay: Uniting Players Across Platforms

One of the most anticipated features of this update is the introduction of crossplay. Players can now team up with friends across different platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. This groundbreaking addition ensures that no matter where you play, you can share your adventures in the vibrant world of Palworld with others. To enable crossplay, players simply need to toggle the option in the multiplayer settings when creating or modifying a world.

Other important updates includes:

  • Enhanced Storage Systems: Managing your Pals has never been easier, thanks to the new storage options:
  • Global Palbox: This feature allows players to store Pal data and transfer Pals between worlds seamlessly.
  • Dimensional Pal Storage: With ten times the capacity of a regular Palbox, this system is perfect for guild members or solo players with extensive collections. It also offers customizable privacy settings for personal use.
  • Cosmetic Armour System: For those who love to personalize their characters, the Cosmetic Armour System is a game-changer. Players can now equip armor for its stats while maintaining a different appearance. This feature ensures that you can look stylish without compromising on functionality.
  • Photo Mode: Capture the beauty of Palworld with the new Photo Mode. Accessible from the Pal Command Wheel, this feature allows players to hide the user interface and freely move the camera to take stunning screenshots of their adventures.
  • Drafting Table: Drafting enthusiasts will appreciate the addition of the Drafting Table. This tool lets players combine lower-rarity blueprints to create higher-rarity ones, adding a new layer of depth to the crafting system.

Also, Pocketpair included several quality-of-life enhancements for this updates and the highlights are:

  • Buildings can now be placed even if they overlap with a Pal, streamlining the construction process.
  • New NPCs and improved NPC behavior during conversations add more life to the game.
  • Adjustments to elemental chest rewards and NPC event rewards ensure a more balanced gameplay experience.

As with any major update, version 0.5.0 addresses numerous bugs and balance issues. From fixing glitches that launched players into the sky to refining the default attacks of Electric and Dark Pals, these changes enhance the overall gameplay experience.

A Bright Future for Palworld

With over 32 million players worldwide, Palworld continues to evolve and captivate its audience. The introduction of crossplay and these innovative features demonstrate Pocketpair’s commitment to delivering a rich and engaging gaming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the world of Palworld, there’s never been a better time to dive in and explore all that this update has to offer.

Games, Gaming, News

Pocketpair needs fans to temper expectations for the “next Palworld”

In a surprising yet refreshingly honest move, Pocketpair, the developer behind the wildly popular game Palworld, has issued a statement that has left fans both intrigued and contemplative. The announcement comes from Pocketpair Publishing, the newly established publishing arm of the company, which aims to support indie game developers. However, the publishing team has made it clear that fans should not expect the same level of success or style as Palworld from the games they plan to release under this new label.

The Context Behind the Announcement

Pocketpair Publishing was introduced earlier this year as a platform to bring unique indie titles to life. While the announcement was met with excitement, it also raised questions about whether the publishing brand would focus on creating games similar to Palworld. Addressing these speculations, John Buckley, the publishing manager, took to social media to clarify the brand’s direction. He emphasized that while the publishing team is thrilled about their upcoming projects, they are not aiming to replicate the massive success of Palworld.

Buckley candidly expressed his nervousness about unveiling the first batch of games under the publishing label. He acknowledged the pressure of living up to the expectations set by Palworld, a game that shattered records and captured the hearts of millions with its unique blend of creature-collecting and survival mechanics. However, he reassured fans that the upcoming titles are “bangers” in their own right, even if they don’t follow the same formula as Palworld.

The statement from Pocketpair Publishing is a rare example of a company managing fan expectations in a transparent and thoughtful manner. In an industry where hype often overshadows reality, this approach is both commendable and strategic. By setting realistic expectations, Pocketpair is not only protecting its brand but also giving its new projects the space to shine on their own merits.

This announcement also highlights the challenges of following up on a breakout hit. Palworld was a game that defied conventions, often described as “Pokémon with guns.” Its success was as unexpected as it was monumental, making it a tough act to follow. Pocketpair’s decision to diversify its portfolio rather than attempt to replicate Palworld demonstrates a commitment to innovation and creativity.

What Fans Can Expect

While the publishing team has made it clear that they are not working on “more Palworld,” they have hinted at exciting indie projects in the pipeline. These games are expected to bring fresh perspectives and unique gameplay experiences to the table. Buckley has assured fans that the development of Palworld itself remains unaffected by the activities of the publishing arm, allowing the core team to continue enhancing the game that started it all.

Pocketpair’s message serves as a reminder that not every project needs to be a blockbuster to be meaningful or enjoyable. By managing expectations and focusing on quality, the company is setting a strong foundation for its publishing brand. As fans, we can look forward to discovering new indie gems while continuing to enjoy the ever-evolving world of Palworld.

Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Palworld surpassed the 32 million players mark

In the ever-evolving world of video games, few titles manage to capture the imagination of millions within such a short span of time. Palworld, developed by Pocketpair, has done just that, surpassing an incredible milestone of 32 million players across PC, PS5, and Xbox in just one year. This achievement is a testament to the game’s unique blend of survival mechanics, action, and creature collection, which has resonated with a vast audience.

Palworld’s journey began with its early access release in January 2024. The game, often dubbed as “Pokémon with guns,” quickly gained traction due to its engaging gameplay and innovative mechanics. Players are tasked with exploring the environment, capturing and taming creatures known as Pals, and using them to complete various missions. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, Palworld allows players to equip their Pals with special gear, such as assault rifles, adding a unique twist to the classic creature collection formula.

Milestone Achievement

Pocketpair announced the milestone through a heartfelt social media post, expressing gratitude to the fans who made it possible. “Over 32 million Pal Tamers!” the message read. “It’s been a year since Palworld was released, and thanks to you our fans, Palworld has surpassed over 32 million players across all platforms!” This achievement is even more impressive considering the game’s availability on Xbox Game Pass from the very start, which significantly contributed to its widespread reach.

At its core, Palworld is a survival-crafting game that challenges players to construct bases, gather resources, and advance through various tiers of technology and equipment. The game’s creature collection twist, inspired by the Pokémon series, has been a major draw for players. Pals not only assist in battles but can also be put to work in the player’s base to farm materials or produce goods. This multifaceted approach to gameplay has kept players engaged and contributed to the game’s sustained popularity.

Legal Challenges and Future Plans

Despite its success, Palworld has faced legal challenges, most notably a lawsuit from Nintendo over alleged patent infringement related to the game’s mechanics. Pocketpair has vowed to fight the case in court, asserting their position and continuing to release major updates for the game. The developer recently unveiled the Palworld Year 2 roadmap, detailing plans for co-op crossplay, collaborations with other games, and new features for 2025.

Palworld’s journey from a promising early access release to a global phenomenon with 32 million players is a remarkable story of innovation, dedication, and community support. As Pocketpair continues to navigate legal challenges and expand the game’s features, the future looks bright for this unique and captivating title. Congratulations to the team behind Palworld for achieving this incredible milestone!

Business, Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo Granted U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 and probably is going to be used against Palworld

Nintendo has recently been granted U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111, a significant development in its ongoing legal dispute with Pocketpair, the developers behind Palworld. This patent, filed after Palworld’s launch, covers the process of aiming and capturing characters in a game, a mechanic that closely resembles the gameplay of Pokémon.

The patent describes a gameplay system where players use a “catching item” to capture a “field character” and then engage in a battle with a “fighting character”. This system is integral to the lawsuit in Japan, where Nintendo has accused Pocketpair of infringing on multiple patents related to creature-catching mechanics.

Pocketpair has confirmed a few months ago, that Nintendo’s lawsuit involves three specific Japanese patents: 7,545,191, 7,493,117, and 7,528,390. These patents cover various game mechanics, including the use and activation of “rideable characters” and the process of aiming and throwing a captured item at a character to capture it in a virtual space.

Evidently, U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 is the American equivalent and consolidated patent of the previous three.

In a first mode, an aiming direction in a virtual space is determined based on a second operation input, and a player character is caused to launch, in the aiming direction, an item that affects a field character disposed on a field in the virtual space, based on a third operation input. In a second mode, the aiming direction is determined, based on the second operation input, and the player character is caused to launch, in the aiming direction, a fighting character that fights, based on the third operation input.

With the approval of this patent, Nintendo is now preparing to potentially extend its legal battle to the United States. The company has also filed additional patents related to creature-catching mechanics, further strengthening its case1. This move highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property and the potential for international legal disputes over game mechanics.

Nintendo’s legal strategy involves building a “patent family” where later patents are connected to earlier filings. This approach ensures that even if specific claims are rejected, the overall patent portfolio remains robust. The recent approval of U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 is part of this broader strategy to protect its intellectual property on a global scale.

This development has significant implications for the gaming industry, as it underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property and the potential for international legal disputes over game mechanics. It also raises questions about the boundaries of game design and the extent to which companies can claim ownership over common gameplay elements.

As the legal battle between Nintendo and Pocketpair continues, the approval of U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 marks a critical step in Nintendo’s efforts to protect its intellectual property. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for the gaming industry and the way game mechanics are developed and protected in the future.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Pocketpair Ventures into the gaming publishing arena

Pocketpair, known for its imaginative and engaging games like Palworld and recently Overdungeon as a surprising new Nintendo Switch despite their lawsuit against Palworld allegedly patents violation, is now venturing into the publishing sphere.

The company has announced its formation of a new publishing business aptly titled Pocketpair Publishing.

Pocketpair Publishing aims to provide comprehensive support for indie game developers and small studios. This includes financial assistance, development aid, and much-needed publishing resources. A key aspect of their vision is to maintain a hands-off approach where they respect the creative autonomy and vision of the developers. They aim to support the creation and completion of dream projects without imposing strict conditions.

First Project Collaboration: Surgent Studios

Their first major project involves collaboration with UK-based Surgent Studios. Surgent Studios, known for the horror game Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, is set to release a new horror title. This standalone game, scheduled for 2025, is not a continuation of their previous work but promises to bring fresh narrative experiences to players.

According to Abubakar Salim, CEO of Surgent Studios, the collaborative effort will focus on exploring a unique pattern in the entertainment industry through an unconventional and experimental horror game.

The following is what it has been shared to VGC by Abubakar Salim, CEO of Surgent Studios.:

Both Surgent and Pocketpair are well-versed in taking risks.

We noticed a pattern in the entertainment industry, and Pocketpair has given us the opportunity to make a horror game about it. It will be short and weird, and we think players will be interested in what we have to say.

We’re still in earnest conversation about further projects set in the Tales of Kenzera universe, but this will be a standalone piece: a mile marker between where we’ve come from and where we’re going.

Also, the Head of Pocketpair Publishing, John “Bucky” Buckley added:

As the games industry continues to grow, more and more games find themselves struggling to get funded or greenlit. We think this is a real shame, because there are so many incredible creators and ideas out there that just need a little help to become incredible games.

We were instantly fascinated by Abubakar’s creative vision for a horror game on a topic he’s uniquely qualified to explore. The ultimate goal of Pocketpair Publishing is to find creators with a genuine passion for games and enable them to create fun, new experiences for gamers all over the world.

Games, Gaming, News

Check out what to expect for Palworld Year 2

As Palworld embarks on its second year, Pocketpair has unveiled an ambitious roadmap filled with new features, exciting collaborations, and significant enhancements. The upcoming year promises to be even more thrilling for Palworld players, with a host of updates that aim to enhance gameplay, improve user experience, and introduce fresh content. Here’s a detailed look at what’s in store for Palworld in Year 2.

Co-Op Crossplay: Expanding Horizons

One of the most anticipated features coming to Palworld is co-op crossplay. This functionality allows players to team up with friends across different platforms, breaking down barriers and making it easier than ever to enjoy the game together. Whether you’re playing on PC, console, or mobile, you can now join forces and explore the Palworld universe as a united front.

Also and in response to player feedback, Pocketpair is introducing the ability to transfer Pals between different worlds. This feature provides greater flexibility for managing your creatures, allowing you to move them to different environments and strategies. It’s a game-changer for those looking to optimize their Pals for various challenges and adventures.

Final Boss and Ending Scenario: A Climactic Conclusion

Year 2 will also see the introduction of a final boss and a definitive ending scenario for the game’s storyline. This climactic conclusion offers a sense of closure and accomplishment for players who have been following Palworld’s narrative, providing a rewarding endgame experience that ties together the story’s many threads.

To keep the gameplay experience fresh and exciting, Pocketpair is adding new Pals and technological upgrades. These additions will introduce new creatures to capture and train, along with tech enhancements that offer new strategies and capabilities. Players can look forward to discovering and mastering these new elements as they expand their Pal collection and improve their gameplay tactics.

Game Collaborations: Unique Crossover Content

Pocketpair has announced exciting collaborations with other games, including a notable one with Terraria. These collaborations will bring unique crossover content and experiences, allowing players to enjoy elements from other beloved games within the Palworld universe. It’s an exciting way to blend different gaming worlds and offer something truly special to the community.

The development team is also focusing on improving how objects are placed within the game world. These enhancements will make the environment more interactive and immersive, ensuring that every element feels thoughtfully integrated and adds to the overall player experience.

Performance improvements and user experience enhancements are key areas of focus for Year 2. Pocketpair is committed to optimizing the game’s performance, reducing lag, and ensuring smoother gameplay. Additionally, UX improvements will make the game’s interface more intuitive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall experience for both new and veteran players.

Additional Updates: More to Explore

  • PvP Arena: A dedicated arena for player-versus-player battles, allowing players to test their skills and compete against each other in exciting duels.
  • New Island: An entirely new area to explore, filled with unique challenges, resources, and opportunities.
  • Strengthening and Improving Pals: New ways to enhance your Pals, making them stronger and more capable in various situations.
  • Mobile Port: Krafton’s PUBG Studios is working on a mobile version for Android and iOS, bringing Palworld to a wider audience and making it accessible on the go.

With these exciting updates and additions, Palworld is set to continue its journey as a beloved game in the hearts of its players. Year 2 promises to bring new adventures, improved gameplay, and a wealth of content that will keep the community engaged and entertained. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to dive into the enhanced world of Palworld!