When you think of Palworld, the immediate association for many is "Pokemon with guns," a label that surged the game's popularity upon its initial reveal. This shorthand, used widely across the internet, including by us at IGN, encapsulated the unique blend of monster-collecting and weaponry that intrigued gamers. However, Pocketpair's communications director and publishing manager, John 'Bucky' Buckley, clarified during a talk at the Game Developers Conference that this was never the intended takeaway for Palworld.
Buckley shared that Palworld was first showcased at the Indie Live Expo in Japan in June 2021, where it received a positive response. However, the Western media quickly labeled it as a mix of a well-known franchise and guns, a tag that has persisted despite efforts to shift perceptions. In an interview following his talk, Buckley emphasized that Pokemon was not part of the original pitch. Instead, the team, composed of ARK: Survival Evolved enthusiasts, aimed to create a game more akin to ARK but with a stronger emphasis on automation and unique creature personalities.
While acknowledging that the "Pokemon with guns" label did boost Palworld's success, Buckley expressed a mild frustration with those who believe this fully encapsulates the game's essence without playing it. He pointed out that Palworld's audience does not significantly overlap with Pokemon's, and he views ARK as a closer comparison. Buckley also dismissed the notion of direct competition within the gaming industry, suggesting that the concept of "console wars" is more about marketing than genuine rivalry.
If Buckley could choose a different viral tagline, he humorously suggested, "Palworld: It's Kind of Like ARK if ARK Met Factorio and Happy Tree Friends," though he admitted it lacks the catchy simplicity of the original moniker.
Our discussion also touched on the potential for Palworld on the Nintendo Switch 2, the possibility of Pocketpair being acquired, and more, which you can explore in our full interview.
