Palworld Remains Buy-to-Play: Developer Quashes F2P Rumors
Following reports of potential shifts to a free-to-play (F2P) or Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) model, Palworld developer Pocketpair has officially confirmed the game will remain a buy-to-play title. The developer issued a statement on Twitter (X) clarifying their position after an interview sparked speculation.
Pocketpair stated unequivocally that they are not adopting a F2P or GaaS model. While acknowledging internal discussions about the game's long-term growth and sustainability, they emphasized that these discussions predate recent reports and that a F2P/GaaS approach is unsuitable for Palworld. They reassured players that the game's design doesn't lend itself to such a model and that a conversion would be overly demanding. Furthermore, they highlighted their commitment to prioritizing player preferences.
The developer apologized for any anxiety caused by the earlier reports and reiterated their dedication to creating the best possible Palworld experience. They are currently exploring future content, including the possibility of skins and DLC to support ongoing development, promising further discussions with the community as plans solidify.
An interview with Palworld CEO Takuro Mizobe, conducted several months prior, fueled the initial speculation. While Mizobe expressed intentions to add new content, including Pals and raid bosses, Pocketpair's recent statement provides a definitive answer regarding the game's core business model.
Separately, a potential PS5 version of Palworld was listed in announcements for the upcoming 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.
