Palworld investigation to be conducted by Pokemon Company

The Pokemon Company said Thursday it has not granted any permission to “another company,” referring to Palworld-developer Pocketpair, to use Pokemon intellectual property or assets and “intends to investigate and take appropriate measures” against the fast-growing survival game operator. The statement is Pokemon Company’s first acknowledgement of Palworld’s fast-growing survival title, which has sold over 8 million copies in less than six days, exceeding the performance of even the most popular AAA titles. Pocketpair, which released the title on January 19, insisted earlier that its game had more resemblance to a title such as Ark Survival than Pokemon. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that gamem,” The Pokemon Company wrote in a statement on its website Thursday. “We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon.

The Pokemon Company has officially addressed the controversy surrounding the successful survival game Palworld, developed by Pocketpair. In a statement published on their website on Thursday, the company stated that they have not given permission to “another company” – referring to Pocketpair – to use any Pokemon intellectual property or assets in their game.

“We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future.”

This marks the first acknowledgement from the Pokemon Company of Palworld’s existence, despite the game selling over 8 million copies in less than six days – surpassing the success of even some of the most popular AAA games. However, as previously reported by TechCrunch, Palworld is an unabashed clone of Pokemon, utilizing similar monster collecting, automation, and survival/crafting mechanics. Yet, despite being a blatant copy, the game has still captured the attention of players.

The success of Palworld demonstrates a clear demand for a modern take on the monster taming genre, which Pokemon arguably created but has failed to significantly evolve. Whether this surge in interest is fueled by a genuine desire for something fresh, or a desire to punish Nintendo for its lack of innovation, one thing is certain – players are flocking to Palworld.

Pocketpair’s CEO, Takuro Mizobe, previously defended their game by stating that it has more similarities to a title like Ark Survival than Pokemon. However, he also expressed concerns over the slanderous comments and “death threats” the team has received following the game’s release on January 19.

“We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game.”

The Pokemon Company’s statement serves as a warning to any developers who may try to infringe on their intellectual property rights in the future. They vow to investigate and take appropriate measures to protect their beloved Pokemon and their world. And they remain committed to bringing people together through their beloved franchise.

More information to follow.