Palworld: Free-to-Play Plans Axed, Remains Buy-to-Play, Devs Confirm

Following reports of potential shifts in its business model, Palworld developer Pocketpair has officially confirmed that the game will remain a buy-to-play title. Speculation arose after interviews hinted at a possible transition to a free-to-play (F2P) or Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) model. However, Pocketpair issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) emphatically denying these plans.

The developer clarified that while internal discussions explored various avenues for the game's long-term growth, a F2P/GaaS approach was ultimately deemed unsuitable. They emphasized that Palworld's core design isn't compatible with such a model, and adapting it would require significant effort. Furthermore, the team acknowledged player preferences and prioritized their wishes in the decision-making process.

Pocketpair reiterated its commitment to delivering the best possible Palworld experience and apologized for any anxiety caused by previous reports. The studio is actively considering future content additions, such as cosmetic skins and downloadable content (DLC), to support ongoing development. These plans, however, will be further discussed with the community at a later date.

Interestingly, an interview with CEO Takuro Mizobe, which sparked the initial speculation, was conducted several months prior. While Mizobe expressed intentions to add new content, including Pals and raid bosses, the recent clarification firmly establishes the buy-to-play nature of Palworld.

Separately, a potential PlayStation 5 version of Palworld has surfaced in a preliminary list of titles for the Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024). However, this listing, sourced from the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), should be treated with caution, as it is not considered definitive.