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The Pokemon Company said Thursday it has not granted any permission to “another company,” referring to Palworld-developer Pocketpair, to use Pokemon intellectual property or assets and “intends to investigate and take appropriate measures” against the fast-growing survival game operator.
The statement is Pokemon Company’s first acknowledgement of Palworld’s fast-growing survival title, which has sold over 8 million companies in less than six days, exceeding the performance of even the most popular AAA titles. But as TechCrunch previously reported, Palworld is unarguably an unabashed clone of Pokémon, however its fusion of monster collecting, automation, and survival/crafting mechanics has struck a chord with players nonetheless.
Palworld taps into pent-up demand for a modern take on the monster taming genre that Pokémon arguable created but has failed to significantly evolve. Whether driven by genuine interest or a desire to punish Nintendo for stagnation, gamers have flocked to Palworld for its fresh take. With familiar mechanics lifted from hit games like Valheim, Breath of the Wild, and Factorio blended with its own unique island survival gameplay, Palworld may lack in originality but makes up for it with expertly executed compulsion loops. While its viral launch may prove short-lived, Pocket Pair has certainly captured lightning in a bottle.
“We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that gamem,” The Pokemon Company wrote in a statement on its website.
“We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future.”
More to follow.
