Palworld Considers Live Service Model

Palworld's Future: Live Service or Standalone? Pocketpair CEO Weighs In

Pocketpair's CEO, Takuro Mizobe, recently spoke with ASCII Japan about the future direction of Palworld, the popular creature-catching shooter. The core question: will it transition to a live service model?

While no firm decisions have been made, Mizobe confirmed upcoming updates including new maps, Pals, and raid bosses. However, he outlined two potential paths: completing Palworld as a buy-to-play (B2P) title, or transitioning to a live service (LiveOps) model.

The advantages of a live service model are clear, offering increased revenue potential and extended game lifespan. However, Mizobe acknowledged significant hurdles. Palworld wasn't initially designed for this model, presenting considerable development challenges. Furthermore, player reception is paramount. Successfully converting a B2P game to a live service model is difficult, as seen in the lengthy transitions of titles like PUBG and Fall Guys. The inherent challenges of integrating monetized content into a pre-existing B2P game are substantial.

Mizobe also addressed other monetization strategies, such as ad revenue. He expressed skepticism about its viability for Palworld, citing the generally negative player reaction to ads in PC games, particularly on platforms like Steam.

Currently, Pocketpair is focused on attracting new players while retaining its existing fanbase. The company is carefully considering all options, with Palworld still in early access and recently launching its substantial Sakurajima update, including the highly anticipated PvP arena. The final decision on Palworld's future remains pending, emphasizing the delicate balance between maximizing revenue and maintaining player satisfaction.