Palworld’s Future: Is the Controversial Game Here to Stay?

Palworld is definitely going nowhere – that’s the latest from Pocketpair’s communications director Jonh ‘Bucky’ Buckley, who’s made it crystal clear that despite the legal storm circling the studio, the viral monster-taming game isn’t fading anytime soon.

The explosive success of Palworld last year made it one of the most talked-about indie games in the world, blending adorable creatures with survival and shooter elements, often compared to Pokémon with guns. Now, even with Nintendo breathing down their neck, the devs aren’t flinching.

Speaking with IGN, Buckley said loud and proud, “Palworld’s definitely going nowhere.” He didn’t try to sugarcoat the unknowns either, admitting he’s not entirely sure what exact form the game will take next – but one thing’s for sure: Pocketpair is strapped in for the long ride. The community might be speculating about what’s next – more Pals, more maps, PvP modes – but the devs are quietly working to ensure the game keeps evolving.

Interestingly, Palworld is definitely going nowhere doesn’t mean the team is putting all its eggs in one basket. Buckley explained that while Palworld will continue to grow, the studio is still developing their other game Craftopia. “Even though everyone says we’re not, we are still working on Craftopia,” he confirmed. Fans of their early access survival title can rest easy knowing that it’s not collecting dust.

That said, balancing two major titles while also dealing with a lawsuit isn’t exactly a stress-free endeavor. Nintendo has accused Pocketpair of copying elements from Pokémon, especially the ball-throwing mechanic. While Buckley didn’t dive into legal specifics, he did acknowledge that the lawsuit has impacted the company – not in their workflow, but emotionally.

“It hasn’t made it harder to update the game or to move forward,” Buckley said. “It’s just kind of something that weighs over you all the time… it hasn’t affected development in that regard. It’s just kind of affected the company’s morale more than anything else.”

That vibe – of a studio walking on legal eggshells while trying to innovate – hasn’t stopped Pocketpair from pushing updates and hosting limited-time events in Palworld. Players continue to see new content, fixes, and gameplay tweaks, showing the devs aren’t letting the heat slow them down. In fact, the team seems more energized than ever to prove Palworld is more than just a passing meme game.

And despite the ongoing legal tension, the community remains fiercely loyal. The studio’s transparency, paired with Palworld’s ridiculous charm and chaotic gameplay, has created a fanbase that’s as chaotic as the game itself – and that’s saying something.

Let’s also not forget that Pocketpair isn’t a big-budget giant. They’re a scrappy indie team that dropped a monster hit out of nowhere. That underdog energy has only fueled the game’s reputation, and Buckley’s reassurance that Palworld is definitely going nowhere is exactly what fans needed to hear.

With Nintendo keeping a close watch, updates being pumped out, Craftopia still in the pipeline, and the devs standing tall, Palworld’s story is far from over. Whether it becomes a long-term franchise, spins off new titles, or adds more wild features, one thing’s certain – it’s not disappearing. It’s here, it’s loud, and it’s got a rocket launcher-toting sheep named Lamball leading the charge.

What do you think about the future of Palworld? Are you still exploring the wild or waiting for the next big update?