The Pokemon Company finally addresses Palworld drama: “We intend to investigate”

The Pokemon Company has finally addressed the Palworld situation, assuring they “intend to investigate and take appropriate measures” in regard to any possible infringement on their intellectual property.

Palworld has taken the entire world by storm to start 2024. Originally labeled as “Pokemon with guns”, the smash hit that’s shattered records on Steam in short order, has players gathering resources, crafting items, bases, and weapons, all while catching Pals around the open world, much like the series in comparison.

Plenty of controversy has bubbled up ever since its early access release, with everything from AI allegations to copycat clone accusations far and wide across social media.

Now, after days of remaining silent, The Pokemon Company has addressed the matter. While not naming Palworld explicitly, a January 24 statement touched on “another company’s game released in January 2024.”

“We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokemon intellectual property or assets in that game,” the statement read, clearly implying Palworld.

“We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokemon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokemon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokemon in the future.”

As it’s still early days yet into Palworld’s release, though its sales figures would have you thinking otherwise, The Pokemon Company is clearly weighing its options for now. Launching an investigation into the surprise 2024 hit, it’s yet unclear exactly what they might take issue with.

While Pal models are certainly similar to many of those found in Pokemon, in some cases eerily similar, Palworld’s Director has shot down any claims of direct clones, insisting any such accusations are “slanderous.”

For the time being, some legal practitioners argue there’s simply too much of a difference between the two games for The Pokemon Company to have any solid grounds in which to sue. However, that’s all speculation for the time being.

We’ll have to wait and see exactly what The Pokemon Company does from here, though there’s no doubt anymore Palworld is certainly front and center on their radar.

Developers at Pocketpair have yet to publicly address the statement. Though rest assured, we’ll keep you up to speed with all the latest developments.