Palworld Goes Official: Free-to-Play Trial Concludes, Game Stays Buy-to-Play

Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, has officially quashed rumors of a shift to a free-to-play (F2P) or Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) model. Following reports of internal discussions exploring alternative monetization strategies, the studio issued a clear statement: Palworld will remain a buy-to-play title.

Palworld Remains Buy-to-Play

The Palworld team emphatically declared on Twitter (X) that their game's business model is not changing. Earlier reports, stemming from discussions within Pocketpair, suggested a potential transition to a live service, F2P model, or other options. However, the developer clarified that while they are actively evaluating long-term strategies for Palworld's continued growth, a F2P/GaaS approach is unsuitable. They emphasized that Palworld's current design doesn't lend itself to such a conversion, and importantly, that this isn't what their player base desires.

Future Plans: DLC and Skins Under Consideration

While rejecting F2P, Pocketpair confirmed they are exploring alternative avenues for supporting ongoing development. The studio is considering the addition of cosmetic skins and downloadable content (DLC) for Palworld, promising further community engagement before any decisions are finalized. This follows an earlier interview where CEO Takuro Mizobe hinted at future content updates, including new Pals and raid bosses. However, the studio clarified that this interview was conducted several months prior.

PS5 Version Rumored for TGS 2024

Adding to the Palworld news, a potential PS5 version has surfaced in a preliminary list of announcements for the Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024). While this list, published by CESA, isn't definitive, it adds further speculation to the game's future. Pocketpair's commitment to player feedback and ongoing development suggests a bright future for Palworld, regardless of its continued buy-to-play model.