PocketPair CEO Is Unsure About Palworld Going To A Live Service Game

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I’ve seen the evolution of gaming from simple 8-bit games to the complex, immersive experiences we have today. The potential transformation of Palworld into a live service game is an intriguing prospect.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve been pondering the possibility that Palworld might evolve into a live-service game someday. The CEO of its developer, PocketPair, Takuro Mizobe, seems to be weighing this option carefully.

During a conversation with ASCII Japan, Mizobe discussed the potential future of one of the most popular games from 2024, often referred to as “Pokemon with guns.” This game quickly gained popularity and was the second-highest played game on Steam until Black Myth: Wukong surpassed it at number three.

Currently, we find ourselves nine months past the release of the game, and it’s time to make some crucial decisions regarding its future direction. One such decision is whether to transition it into a live service model or continue as a buy-to-play game.

Mizobe admitted they haven’t made a final decision yet, but they plan to incorporate general content into Pal World. This could include creating new maps, introducing new characters known as Pals, and implementing raid bosses for cooperative gameplay. However, there are two significant paths they’re considering for the future of Pal World.

Could Palworld Actually Go To Live Service?

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been pondering the idea of transitioning Palworld from its current format into a live service game. While this move could potentially provide a more consistent income stream for the developers and prolong the lifespan of the game, it’s important to note that Palworld wasn’t initially designed with this concept in mind. This shift poses some challenges, as we navigate the process of transforming it into a live service experience.

In essence, Mizobe emphasized that the players’ desire for the game is paramount. To kickstart this live game, it should be free-to-play initially. Typically, management games offer free access and include optional paid features like skins and battle passes. However, Palworld operates on a one-time purchase model, making it challenging to transform it into a live game from its inception.

Mizobe mentioned that PocketPair is considering strategies to attract new players without neglecting its current user base. He pointed out that games such as PUBG and Fall Guys transitioned from being paid games to free-to-play options, but noted it took them several years to do so. He emphasized that altering a premium game into a free-to-play model is not an easy task.

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