In a recent statement, developer Pocketpair has disclosed key adjustments to their highly awaited monster-catching survival game, Palworld, amid the ongoing legal dispute with Nintendo.
Last year, Nintendo initiated a lawsuit against Pocketpair for alleged violations of “multiple” patents related to their gameplay mechanics. It was later established that the legal challenge focused on three specific patents. As part of a significant winter update, Pocketpair was forced to eliminate the classic Pokéball-style Pal Spheres that players used to summon creatures.
In a post on social media platform X today, Pocketpair expressed their frustration over these requirements, stating that the developers now face yet another “compromise” due to the lawsuit’s pressures.
This new ‘compromise’ comes with the rollout of Patch v0.5.5. Starting with this update, players will need to use a glider for gliding mechanics instead of relying on their trusty Pals. While Pals will continue to offer passive buffs during gliding, a glider must be carried in the player’s inventory for flight.
Pocketpair acknowledged that this change might be disappointing for many fans, a sentiment clearly shared by the development team. However, they assured players that these adjustments are crucial to maintaining steady game development and that they remain dedicated to bringing fresh, thrilling content in the future.
Despite the ongoing litigation, Pocketpair stands resolute in contesting Nintendo’s claims and asserts the invalidity of the patents involved.
Since Palworld‘s initial reveal, fans couldn’t help but draw parallels between this title and the iconic Pokémon franchise. Dubbed as “Pokémon with guns,” the game has been under scrutiny, leading to comments from Nintendo’s former chief legal officer, Don McGowan, who expressed surprise at the game’s progress so far.
In a bold move last month, Pocketpair pushed back against Nintendo’s legal claims, arguing that the patents in question are invalid, citing existing mechanics in earlier games like Ark: Survival Evolved, Tomb Raider, and even Nintendo’s own Legend of Zelda series.
