Summary
Palworlddeveloper Pocketpair announced it had entered a joint venture with both Aniplex Inc. and Sony Music Entertainment. Months after its release back in January 2024, Pocketpair’s hit survival title is still notably unavailable for the PlayStation 5 with no indication of when it might make the jump, much to the disappointment of the console’s fans. However, the strengthening relationship between Pocketpair, Aniplex, and Sony might be a sign that the PlayStation’s long wait forPalworldwill soon come to an end.
Palworldhas come a long way in the short few months since it was released in early access at the start of 2024, seeing a recent explosion in popularity. While the game’s launch was plagued with technical issues,Palworldwas still one of the biggest titles released in January and remains one of the best-selling games of 2024. Pocketpair’s monster tamer and survival crafting title sold over 8 million units within the first week following its PC release, which grew to a combined 25 million units from Xbox and Steam sales by the end of its first month available. Players have enjoyed several big patches and content updates, with the most recent beingPalworld’s massive Sakurajima expansion.
Now,Palworld’s developers are joining hands with Sony Music Entertainment and Anixplex Inc. to facilitate the establishment of Palworld Entertainment, a new joint venture company headed by Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe. Aside from reignitingrumors of an imminent PlayStation port, Pocketpair claimed this move was intended to expand the game’s reach to platforms beyond the video game industry, which could potentially include anything from simple merchandise deals to full-blown animated spinoffs or music videos.Palworld’s developers believed both Sony and Aniplex would help the title grow from its video game roots and transformPalworldinto a multifaceted franchise with a global fanbase.
Palworld Developer Is Still An Independent Studio
It should be noted that Palworld Entertainment is a joint venture company, meaning Pocketpair is not being bought out by Sony. Instead, a joint venture is more comparable to a close partnership, where all parties pool resources and take on some risk together. At the time of writing,Palworld’s developer is still an independent studio, and Mizobe himself has stated thatPocketpair remains an acclaimed indie game developer.
The partnership between Pocketpair, Sony, and Aniplex doubtlessly opensnew avenues forPalworld’s future development. But some fans are still wary of the agreement, with many players expressing their distrust of Sony in particular due to the company’s track record with indie studios. Time will tell whether Pocketpair’s new pals will prove to be a benevolent influence forPalworldand its fanbase.
Palworld
WHERE TO PLAY
In this game, you’re able to peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals or risk your life to drive off a ruthless poaching syndicate. Pals can be used to fight and breed, or they can be made to work on farms or factories. You can even sell them or eat them.Survival: In a harsh environment where food is scarce and vicious poachers roam, danger waits around every corner. To survive, you must tread carefully and make difficult choices…even if that means eating your own Pals when the time comes.Mounts & Exploration: Pals can be mounted to traverse the land, sea and sky—allowing you to traverse all kinds of environment as you explore the world.Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!
