Palworld Developers Confirm Game Will Stay Buy-to-Play, Won’t Go Free-to-Play or Live Service

By Harry Negron, September 15, 2024

The developers of Palworld, the popular monster-taming survival game, have confirmed that the game will not be transitioning to a free-to-play or live-service model. Pocketpair, the studio behind Palworld, addressed player concerns after an interview sparked rumors that the game might shift its business model. In a statement, the studio assured its community that Palworld would remain a buy-to-play (B2P) title.

This clarification comes after a recent interview with Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe, where he discussed the potential benefits of a free-to-play model. Mizobe acknowledged that while such a shift could extend the game's lifespan and boost long-term revenue, it would require significant changes. He cited challenges such as adapting a paid game to free-to-play without alienating the current player base and the extensive work required to overhaul the game's systems.

Rumors about the shift caused enough concern among players that Pocketpair felt compelled to issue a public statement. The team explained that while they had explored various options to ensure the game's longevity, including free-to-play and live service approaches, they had decided against it. The game was not designed with such models in mind, and the developers emphasized their commitment to prioritizing player satisfaction.

Pocketpair also reassured players that although free-to-play is off the table, they are considering other avenues for future monetization. This includes potential downloadable content (DLC) and cosmetic skins to support ongoing development. The primary focus, however, remains on improving the core game experience.

The game, which combines survival mechanics with creature collection, has enjoyed significant success since its release earlier this year. It garnered a peak of over two million concurrent players on Steam, solidifying its position as one of the most popular survival games of 2024. Despite the potential profitability of a live-service model, the developers believe that maintaining a buy-to-play structure will better serve their community in the long run.

For now, Pocketpair is focused on continuing to build on Palworld’s existing foundation, ensuring the game remains engaging and enjoyable without drastic shifts to its business model.