Forget About 'Pokemon with Guns'! Here's What Palworld Is Really About

When you hear "Palworld," what pops into your mind? Many people might mistakenly think of it as just another version of Pokémon – but with firearms. However, the creators at Pocketpair are eager to clear the air. During a talk at the Game Developers Conference, communications director John 'Bucky' Buckley expressed their discontent with that catchphrase.

From Concept to Controversy: The True Inspiration Behind Palworld

Palworld first burst onto the scene in mid-2021 with a well-received trailer showcased at Japan's Indie Live Expo. Despite its warm reception in Japan, Western media quickly latched onto the catchy label of "a certain franchise plus guns," which Buckley admits has stuck with them ever since. He makes it clear that Pokémon was never the game’s original inspiration.

"We wanted to create something inspired by ARK: Survival Evolved, not just Pokémon clones with a twist," Buckley clarified. The team's goal was to craft a world where each creature had its own unique personality and abilities, rather than just resembling classic Pokémon characters.

Did the Label Work? Counting the Benefits and Drawbacks

When asked if the 'Pokemon with guns' tag bolstered Palworld's success, Buckley acknowledged its impact. He even noted that industry figures, like Dave Oshry, had capitalized on the hype by trademarking site names like "Pokemonwithguns.com." While it certainly drew attention, Buckley is concerned that many might still think of it as just that, without ever experiencing the game.

Competition? Buckley Sees It Differently

Interestingly, Buckley believes that there’s no significant competition with Pokémon and sees ARK as a much closer parallel. He doesn’t think Palworld is in a direct fight for audience share with other games, including titles like Helldivers 2. Instead, he views the gaming market as saturated, creating a unique scenario where timing of releases matters more than direct competition.

A New Tagline? Buckley Has a Creative Suggestion!

If Buckley could choose a viral tagline himself, perhaps he would have opted for, "Palworld: It's Kind of Like ARK if ARK Met Factorio and Happy Tree Friends." Although he admits it doesn't have the same ring to it, it certainly encompasses the game's unique blend of mechanics!

In our conversation, we also touched on the prospects of bringing Palworld to Nintendo Switch 2, the potential for Pocketpair's acquisition, and more. Stay tuned for more insights from the developers!