Palworld Dev reveals why the game was never a live service title

Key insights

• Palworld developers deny plans for a free-to-play transition in order to maintain the goals of the gaming experience.
• Pocketpair assures fans that it will not rely on microtransactions.
• Despite the Nintendo lawsuit, Palworld developers remain optimistic.

At the height of tensions with Nintendo Palworld Developers have denied claims that the game is moving to a free-to-play model and explained why this was never planned. The rumors emerged ahead of this year’s Tokyo Game Show and suggest that Pocketpair is trying to revive its “dead” title. Palworld. However, when asked about the game’s declining number of players, the developers showed no concerns and seemed satisfied with the current numbers.

In recent months, gamers have heard the names Pocketpair and Palworld under less than ideal circumstances. The company and its 2024 hit game have been in the spotlight since Nintendo filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, with fans on both sides awaiting the lawsuits. Nintendo has a reputation for taking copyright lawsuits seriously and abandoning them Palworld Players are wondering if this case could end the game’s success. Some theories also suggest that Pocketpair may feel threatened and may opt for a new business strategy to save its flagship IP – a strategy that could potentially focus on microtransactions.

In an interview with The Gamer’s Sam Woods during Tokyo Game Show 2024: PalworldThe developers of ‘s responded to rumors that the game would be free to play by saying: “We never thought that Palworld as a live service game.” The developers explained that their decision was based on a desire to provide a rich gaming experience where players can enjoy the game at their own pace. And turn around Palworld getting into a live service game would run counter to that vision. Pocketpair also stated that it prioritizes long-term support and fostering a strong community rather than a monetization-first approach.

Palworld seems to “march on” with the same attitude.

A live service game is typically a free-to-play title whose core business model relies heavily on microtransactions. Rumors about Palworld This practice worried many fans, as live service games often develop a bad reputation for overusing paid elements, which can unbalance the meta. Fortunately, Pocketpair seems determined to avoid this approach, and PalworldPS5’s release as a $29.99 title confirms this stance.

Earlier this year, after the Nintendo drama, Palworld‘s Global Community Manager commented on the lawsuit by assuring fans that Pocketpair would “move on.” The company’s official Twitter response also suggested that the Japanese indie developer would not be backing down. If the developers’ optimism is correct, Palworld Players have little to worry about. In fact, more significant expansions and extended updates could be coming, especially with the creation of Palworld Entertainment, a joint venture between Sony Music Entertainment and Pocketpair. However, only time will tell whether Pocketpair can emerge as one of the few survivors of a Nintendo lawsuit and whether it will survive PalworldThe microtransactions are limited to cosmetic items.