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.
The statement explicitly states that Palworld's business model will not change. While Pocketpair acknowledged internal discussions regarding the game's long-term growth and sustainability, they emphasized that a F2P/GaaS approach is not currently viable for Palworld. The team highlighted that the game's design doesn't lend itself to such a model, and adapting it would require extensive work. Furthermore, they affirmed their commitment to prioritizing player preferences.
Pocketpair reiterated their dedication to creating the best possible Palworld experience, apologizing for any anxiety caused by previous reports. They clarified that an interview with ASCII Japan, which fueled the speculation, was conducted several months prior. Although the CEO, Takuro Mizobe, expressed intentions to add new content, including Pals and raid bosses, the developer has since reaffirmed their commitment to the buy-to-play model.
The developer is now exploring alternative avenues for continued development, hinting at the possibility of future downloadable content (DLC) and cosmetic skins. They promised further community discussion regarding these plans.
Separately, a potential PlayStation 5 version of Palworld was listed in announcements for the upcoming Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024). However, it's important to note that this list, published by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), is not considered definitive.
