Palworld Free To Play Talks Shut Down, Devs Confirm It \"Will Remain Buy-to-Play\"

Palworld Remains Buy-to-Play: Developer Quashes F2P Rumors

Following reports suggesting a potential shift to a free-to-play (F2P) or Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) model, Palworld developer Pocketpair has officially confirmed that the game will remain a buy-to-play title. The developer issued a statement on Twitter (X), clarifying its position after an interview sparked speculation about its future direction.

Pocketpair acknowledged previous discussions regarding potential long-term strategies for Palworld's continued growth and success. However, the team emphasized that, after careful consideration, a F2P/GaaS model is not the chosen path. They cited the significant development effort required to adapt the game to such a model, as well as a strong awareness of player preferences. The statement clearly prioritizes player satisfaction.

The developer reiterated its commitment to delivering the best possible Palworld experience, apologizing for any concerns caused by the earlier reports. Future plans, the statement revealed, include exploring the possibility of releasing downloadable content (DLC) and cosmetic skins to support ongoing development, with further community discussion planned before any decisions are finalized.

The statement also addressed a recent interview with ASCII Japan, clarifying that the interview, which mentioned potential future directions for the game, was conducted several months prior. The interview did include the CEO's pledge to continue adding content, including new Pals and raid bosses.

Separately, a potential PS5 version of Palworld has been listed in a preliminary announcement for the Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024). However, it's important to note that this list, published by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), is not considered definitive.