Palworld Multiplayer Model Unveiled, Potentially a Hit for PocketPair

Pocketpair's CEO, Takuro Mizobe, recently spoke with ASCII Japan about Palworld's future, specifically addressing the possibility of transitioning the popular creature-catching shooter into a live service game. While no final decision has been made, Mizobe acknowledged the ongoing consideration of two distinct paths.

Live Service or Standalone? A Business and Player Perspective

Mizobe confirmed continued updates for Palworld, including a new map, Pals, and raid bosses. However, the long-term vision involves a choice: complete Palworld as a traditional buy-to-play (B2P) title or transition to a live service model (LiveOps). He openly stated that a live service approach offers significant business advantages, potentially extending the game's lifespan and revenue streams. However, he also emphasized the inherent challenges. Palworld's initial design wasn't built for live service, making the transition complex.

Crucially, Mizobe highlighted the importance of player preference. The success of a live service model hinges on player acceptance. He pointed out the typical free-to-play (F2P) foundation for most live service games, contrasting it with Palworld's current B2P structure. He cited successful F2P transitions like PUBG and Fall Guys, but emphasized the considerable time and effort involved in such a shift.

Alternative Monetization Strategies: The Challenges of Ads

Mizobe also discussed alternative monetization strategies, including ad implementation. However, he expressed skepticism about its viability for a PC game like Palworld. He noted the difficulty of adapting ad monetization to PC titles, citing the negative player reaction to ads, particularly within the Steam community. He believes that even if successful, ads would likely be poorly received by the player base.

Currently, Pocketpair is focused on attracting new players while retaining its existing community. The future direction for Palworld remains under careful consideration, with the team weighing the potential benefits and challenges of each path. The game is currently in early access, having recently released its substantial Sakurajima update and introducing its highly anticipated PvP arena. The final decision on Palworld's long-term model remains pending.