Former Palworld Developer Suggests Designs Were Changed to Look More Like Pokemon

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Former Palworld Developer Suggests Designs Were Changed to Look More Like Pokemon

Key Takeaways

  • A former Palworld developer alleges Pocketpair changed their designs to more closely resemble popular Pokemon.
  • The designer claims that the company changed the developer’s designs after they left the company, aiming to re-create a “top 100”-ranking Pokemon design
  • The allegations come just days after Nintendo and The Pokemon Company officially filed a lawsuit against the Palworld developer for patent infringement.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a mix of amusement and dismay at the ongoing drama surrounding Palworld and Pokemon. Having grown up with both franchises, I’ve witnessed the evolution of these games and their communities firsthand.

A previous Palworld developer claims that the designs for the game’s creatures (Pals) were altered by Pocketpair to resemble Pokemon for the game’s full release. The latest creation from this indie studio has been a global sensation this year, attracting millions of players on PC and Xbox platforms. The game was intriguing due to its design similarities with Pokemon, combined with base-building and survival aspects reminiscent of games like Minecraft. However, Pocketpair is now facing criticism from the creators of Pokemon.

There has been buzz about possible legal issues involving the game Palworld since its launch. This week, The Pokemon Company and Nintendo made it official by announcing they will be suing Pocketpair over allegations of patent violation concerning the monster-catching survival game. Fans have pondered various explanations for this lawsuit against the independent studio, with the latest theory pointing to a patent for the capturing mechanics of Pokemon. However, it appears that Palworld might have infringed on more patents following recent statements from a former developer.

After the uproar caused by the joint lawsuit against Pocketpair, a previous team member is publicly criticizing the Palworld developer. In a statement shared on Twitter by Lewtwo, the ex-employee alleges that Pocketpair deliberately altered their designs before the game’s launch. The former developer argues that the studio aimed to mimic Pokemon by requesting changes to make the Palworld designs look like popular Pokemon characters, indicating an attempt to copy the Pokemon franchise. The departed Pocketpair employee also hints at the company modifying their designs following his departure from the team.

Palworld Designer Alleges Pocketpair Changed Designs to Resemble Pokemon

Criticisms against Pocketpair have resurfaced, given the company’s history of controversy surrounding the designs of its characters, known as Pals. For instance, Palworld’s Anubis has been accused of being a copy of Lucario from Pokemon, while Lamball bears a striking resemblance to Wooloo. Previously, a former high-ranking lawyer for The Pokemon Company publicly labeled Palworld as “ripoff nonsense,” which might have hinted at the impending legal action. Pocketpair has responded to the lawsuit, describing it as unfortunate and predicting that it could impact the game’s development.

The long-circulated news about a lawsuit against Pocketpair might lead to significant troubles, considering that the game has recently regained popularity. In recent weeks, there were widespread speculations that Palworld would transition into a free-to-play model, which later turned out to be unfounded. Additionally, discussions around its upcoming PS5 launch have resurfaced. The summer also marked the arrival of the “Sakurajima” update in Palworld, featuring a new island and an enemy faction for the popular monster-catching game. If the rumored legal action by Nintendo becomes reality, the meteoric rise of Palworld might be halted.

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2024-09-21 22:35