A week following Palworld’s release, The Pokemon Company has broken its silence on the game’s similarities with its own. In a statement from Pokemon Japan, the company indirectly acknowledges Palworld. Additionally, The Pokemon Company declares its intent to investigate the matter and take necessary action.
Palworld, a recently released survival game, has rapidly gained attention in the gaming industry within a week of its launch. Set in a universe reminiscent of Pokemon, the game, though well-received, has faced criticism for its apparent similarities. Following comments from a former lawyer of The Pokemon Company, who labeled it a ‘ripoff,’ the Pokemon Company has now broken its silence, issuing a statement on Palworld.
The official statement, shared on the Pokemon Company’s Japanese corporate page, is brief but indirectly acknowledges Palworld as ‘another company’s game released in 2024.’
The Pokemon Company additionally mentions that it has ‘not granted any permission for the use of any Pokemon intellectual property or assets in that game.’ The company has clarified its intent to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any violations of property rights.
“We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game. We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future.”
The Pokemon Company
While not explicitly naming Palworld, it’s evident that the Pokemon Company is likely referring to it. However, there’s a slight chance the company could be alluding to a Pokemon mod released recently, which directly used skins from its intellectual property, posing a potential issue.
