The creators of the popular survival crafting game, Palworld, are exploring a potential shift to a free-to-play model. Pocketpair, the developer behind the game, sees this move as a way to ensure the game’s long-term financial stability. Palworld, which launched on Steam earlier this year for $30, has achieved significant success, garnering comparisons to Pokémon due to its creature-collection mechanics. Its popularity has skyrocketed, propelling it to the top of Steam’s charts and earning it a place on Xbox and PC Game Pass.
Despite this success, Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe has expressed his desire to move towards a live-service, free-to-play model. In an interview with ASCII Japan, Mizobe explained that this model would extend the game’s lifespan and enhance its financial stability. However, he acknowledges the inherent challenges in transforming Palworld, a game not originally designed with live-service features in mind. Mizobe highlights the difficulty of converting a paid game into a live-service model, given the traditional F2P model’s reliance on paid elements like skins and battle passes.
While numerous games have successfully transitioned to free-to-play, including Fall Guys and PUBG, Mizobe emphasizes that such transformations are not simple, requiring years of dedicated effort. This transition, if implemented, could potentially lead to negative reactions from players who have already paid for the game. While Palworld is currently in early access, and further changes are anticipated, a sudden shift to a monetized free-to-play structure might not be welcomed by existing players.
Beyond gameplay alterations, Pocketpair is collaborating with Sony Group Corp to establish Palworld Entertainment, a new venture focused on licensing and merchandise related to the Palworld brand. This partnership seeks to expand the franchise beyond gaming, encompassing areas like merchandise and music. Additionally, Pocketpair has hinted at a potential PlayStation launch for Palworld at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show, scheduled from September 26 to 29. The future of Palworld remains uncertain, but the developer’s consideration of a free-to-play model reflects their commitment to the game’s longevity and sustainability.
