Palworld: Live Service Model Could Excel for PocketPair

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

Palworld's CEO, Takuro Mizobe, recently spoke with ASCII Japan about the game's future, specifically addressing the possibility of transitioning to a live service model. While no concrete decisions have been made, Mizobe outlined two potential paths: completing Palworld as a buy-to-play (B2P) title or transforming it into a live service game (LiveOps).

The live service option presents significant business advantages, offering increased revenue streams and extending the game's lifespan. However, Mizobe acknowledges the considerable challenges. Palworld wasn't initially designed for a live service model, and adapting it would require substantial effort. Furthermore, the success of this approach hinges on player acceptance. Unlike free-to-play (F2P) games that can seamlessly integrate paid content like battle passes, Palworld's B2P structure presents a significant hurdle. While successful transitions exist (e.g., PUBG, Fall Guys), they required considerable time and investment.

Mizobe also discussed alternative monetization strategies. While ad monetization has been suggested, he believes it's poorly suited to PC games, particularly those on Steam, due to potential player backlash. Therefore, Pocketpair is carefully considering all options, aiming to maintain its current player base while attracting new players. Currently, Palworld remains in early access, recently receiving a major update (Sakurajima) and introducing a PvP arena. The ultimate direction for Palworld remains under careful consideration.