The Pokémon Company released an official statement regarding Palworld, citing that it intends to investigate and take appropriate measures for any infringing acts. The company also notes that it received many inquiries regarding the popular new title.
With over eight million copies sold on Steam alone, Pocket Pair’s Palworld quickly became a trending game on social media. The game’s success was often called into question, due to its meteoric rise in less than a week. Many have theorized or speculated that the game may be plagiarizing Pokémon, and The Pokémon Company is aware of those concerns.
The Pokémon Company’s Statement on Palworld
A brief statement was released by The Pokémon Company on January 25 (JST), acknowledging concerns and inquiries about potential infringement from “another company’s game.” Unsurprisingly, the statement by The Pokémon Company refers to Palworld, and the company plans to investigate.
Here’s what the company had to say in Japanese and English:
Inquiries Regarding Other Companies’ Games
お客様から、2024年1月に発売された他社ゲームに関して、ポケモンに類似しているというご意見と、弊社が許諾したものかどうかを確認するお問い合わせを多数いただいております。弊社は同ゲームに対して、ポケモンのいかなる利用も許諾しておりません。なお、ポケモンに関する知的財産権の侵害行為に対しては、調査を行った上で、適切な対応を取っていく所存です。
弊社はこれからもポケモン１匹１匹の個性を引き出し、その世界を大切に守り育てながら、ポケモンで世界をつなぐための取り組みを行ってまいります。
株式会社ポケモン
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 game. 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.
– The Pokémon Company
Lastly, Palworld is currently available now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Windows and Steam. PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch versions have not been announced. The game sold over eight million copies on Steam alone within six days. It’s the current fastest-selling game of January 2024 and one of the most currently played titles on Steam.
