Palworld Free-to-Play Discussions Dismissed, Game Stays Paid

Palworld Remains Buy-to-Play: Developer Quashes F2P Rumors

Following reports suggesting a potential shift to a free-to-play (F2P) or games-as-a-service (GaaS) model, Palworld developer Pocketpair has officially confirmed that the game will remain a buy-to-play title. The developer issued a statement on Twitter (X) clarifying their position after an interview sparked speculation about the game's future direction.

Pocketpair emphasized that while they are exploring various options for Palworld's long-term growth and sustainability, a F2P/GaaS model is not currently viable. They stated that Palworld's core design doesn't lend itself to such a transition, and the required adaptation would be too extensive. Furthermore, the studio acknowledged player preferences and reiterated their commitment to prioritizing player satisfaction.

The developer apologized for any anxiety caused by the earlier reports and assured players that they are dedicated to making Palworld the best possible experience. While internal discussions regarding future development continue, Pocketpair is currently exploring the possibility of adding paid cosmetic content, such as skins and DLC, to support ongoing development. They promised further communication on this front as plans solidify.

The initial reports stemmed from an interview with ASCII Japan several months prior, featuring CEO Takuro Mizobe. While Mizobe expressed intentions to add new content, including Pals and raid bosses, the developer’s recent statement clarifies the misunderstanding regarding the game's business model.

Separately, a potential PS5 version of Palworld has been mentioned in a preliminary list of titles for the upcoming Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024). However, it's important to note that this list, published by CESA, is not considered definitive.