A new game has taken the internet by storm, earning comparisons to “Pokémon with guns.” Palworld, which was released on Steam on January 19, has captivated players with its fictional creatures that can be caught and trained to help with various tasks, such as building structures, farming, and engaging in shootouts. One of the creatures, Sparkit, bears a striking resemblance to Pokémon’s iconic character, Pikachu.
The Pokémon Company has taken notice of Palworld and has expressed its intention to investigate possible intellectual property infringement. In response, the company stated its commitment to protecting its brand and taking appropriate measures to address any infringement.
The game’s popularity is undeniable, with 8 million copies sold in just under six days, resulting in approximately $189 million in Steam sales. Palworld has also achieved significant milestones on Steam, ranking as the second most-played game ever on the platform.
Palworld mechanics mirror those found in Pokémon games, where players weaken creatures in combat and then catch them with a specialized device. Players have also noticed similarities in the aesthetics of the creatures themselves. This has raised concerns among some players that Palworld may be too close to Pokémon, prompting cautionary reviews urging the game’s developers to avoid potential legal issues.
Despite the scrutiny, there are defenders of Palworld who argue that Pokémon itself drew inspiration from other video game characters, such as those found in Dragon Quest. Furthermore, online discussions have noted similarities between Palworld and other notable games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Zelda.
Representatives from Nintendo, Mojang Studios, and Epic Games have yet to comment on the matter. Similarly, Pocketpair, the developer of Palworld, has remained silent regarding these allegations. Pocketpair’s CEO, Takuro Mizobe, has asserted that the game underwent legal reviews before its release and that they have no intention of infringing upon the intellectual property of other companies.
In an interview, Mizobe expressed surprise at the “Pokémon with guns” meme surrounding Palworld but claimed that it was unintended. He emphasized the serious approach they take in game development, striving to create unique experiences.
Palworld is not the first game on Steam to draw comparisons to existing titles. The recent example of the zombie survival game, The Day Before, which resembled The Last of Us, ended in disappointment for players due to mediocre gameplay.
As the debate surrounding Palworld continues, players and industry experts eagerly await further developments. The game’s success and controversy have undoubtedly left a mark on the gaming community.
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