Palworld: Transcending Gaming Boundaries

Palworld's Unexpected Path: Beyond AAA, or Beyond Expectations?

Pocketpair, the developer behind the wildly successful Palworld, has amassed significant profits. The game's success could easily fund a "beyond AAA" title, yet CEO Takuro Mizobe has chosen a different route. Let's explore his reasoning.

Pocketpair's Indie Spirit: Giving Back to the Community

Palworld's revenue is reportedly in the "tens of billions of yen" (tens of millions of USD), a staggering sum. Despite this, Mizobe has stated that Pocketpair isn't structured to handle a project of that immense scale. He highlighted that Palworld's development was funded by profits from previous titles, Craftopia and Overdungeon, and that scaling up now would be premature.

Mizobe explained in a GameSpark interview that attempting a "beyond AAA" title would overstretch the company's current structure. Instead, he prefers to focus on projects that remain within the scope of an indie developer. He sees the indie scene as thriving, with advancements in game engines and industry conditions making global success achievable without a massive team. Pocketpair's success, he emphasizes, is deeply rooted in the indie community, and they aim to reciprocate that support.

Expanding the Palworld Universe

Mizobe previously stated that Pocketpair isn't interested in rapid expansion, preferring to reinvest in the Palworld IP through diversification. This includes expanding into "different mediums."

Palworld, currently in early access, has received significant praise for its engaging gameplay and substantial updates, including a PvP arena and the Sakurajima island. Furthermore, Pocketpair, in collaboration with Sony, has established Palworld Entertainment to manage global licensing and merchandising.

This strategic choice reflects a commitment to sustainable growth and a dedication to the indie community that nurtured Pocketpair's success. The future of Pocketpair, while potentially less flashy than a "beyond AAA" title, may prove equally, if not more, impactful.