Former Palworld Developer Claims Designs Were Altered to Resemble Pokémon

A former developer from Pocketpair, the studio behind Palworld, has made serious allegations that the game’s creature designs were modified to resemble Pokémon for its full release. Since its debut earlier this year, Palworld has captivated millions of players on PC and Xbox, attracting attention for its Pokémon-like designs combined with base-building and survival gameplay reminiscent of titles like Minecraft. However, this success has led Pocketpair into legal troubles with the creators of Pokémon.

Amid ongoing speculation about possible legal action against Palworld, The Pokémon Company and Nintendo have officially stepped in. Earlier this week, they announced plans to file a lawsuit against Pocketpair, citing patent infringement related to the game’s monster-catching mechanics. Fans have pondered various reasons for this legal move, including a recently discovered patent that pertains to Pokémon’s capture system. The allegations may extend further, fueled by claims from the former developer.

Allegations of Intentional Design Changes

In a statement shared by prominent Twitter user Lewtwo, the former developer alleges that Pocketpair deliberately altered the designs of its creatures before launching the game. According to the insider, the studio pushed for the Palworld designs to resemble a “top 100” Pokémon, indicating a clear intent to mimic Pokémon designs. Notably, the claims suggest that these design changes were implemented after the developer left the company.

The accusations against Pocketpair come amid ongoing criticism regarding the similarities between Palworld’s creatures and Pokémon. Players have frequently pointed out apparent knockoffs, such as the resemblance between Anubis and Lucario, as well as Lamball’s similarity to Wooloo. A former attorney for The Pokémon Company previously described Palworld as “ripoff nonsense,” hinting at the likelihood of legal action to come. In response to the lawsuit, Pocketpair labeled the situation as “unfortunate,” expressing concerns about its impact on the game's development.

Implications of the Lawsuit on Palworld’s Future

The anticipated lawsuit could pose significant challenges for Pocketpair, especially as Palworld has recently regained traction in gaming discussions. Rumors circulated that the game might adopt a free-to-play model, but these were dismissed, while talks of a potential PS5 release also gained momentum. This summer, Palworld introduced its "Sakurajima" update, adding a new island and an enemy faction to its gameplay.

However, as the legal issues unfold, Palworld's impressive success may be jeopardized. With the threat of legal repercussions looming, the indie developer faces an uncertain future as it navigates these turbulent waters.