In a clash that pits pocket monsters against pistols, The Pokemon Company has vowed to investigate and tackle any encroachment on its intellectual property, following the rise of a viral game that has been likened to “Pokemon with guns.”
“Palworld,” an early access survival adventure crafted by PocketPair, has shot to fame on Steam, with over 8 million copies sold since its launch on January 18th. The game, also available on Xbox, allows players to employ firearms to capture and train adorable creatures called “pals.”
While “Palworld” has garnered acclaim for its gameplay, it has also sparked discussions about its similarities to the beloved Pokemon franchise, triggering a flurry of controversy.
In a recent statement, PocketPair’s CEO, Takuro Mizobe, revealed that the company has faced not only criticism but also what he described as “libelous comments about our artists and some tweets that seem close to death threats.” However, PocketPair was not immediately available for further comment.
Responding to the growing buzz around “Palworld,” The Pokemon Company has issued a firm stance, stating, “We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to Pokemon.”
Established with backing from gaming giants Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures, The Pokemon Company holds a significant stake in safeguarding the integrity of its intellectual properties. When approached for comment, Nintendo declined to comment on this specific case.
(Source: Asahi Shimbun | IGN | Barron’s)
