Following reports of potential shifts in its business model, Palworld developer Pocketpair has officially confirmed that the game will remain a buy-to-play title. They have definitively ruled out transitioning to a free-to-play (F2P) or Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) model.
Palworld Remains Buy-to-Play
In a recent statement on Twitter (X), the Palworld team clarified their position, stating that their previous discussions regarding alternative models were preliminary and ultimately deemed unsuitable. The team emphasized that Palworld's core design doesn't align with a F2P/GaaS structure, and adapting the game would be excessively demanding. They also acknowledged player preferences, reiterating their commitment to prioritizing player interests.
The developer is exploring alternative avenues for continued development and support, including the possibility of future DLC and cosmetic skins. However, they plan to engage the community in discussions before finalizing any decisions regarding this approach.
An interview with ASCII Japan, conducted several months prior, had sparked speculation about a potential model change. While the CEO mentioned plans for future content updates, including new Pals and raid bosses, the developer has since clarified that this interview does not reflect their current strategy.
Potential PS5 Version at TGS 2024?
Separately, a potential PS5 version of Palworld has been listed in preliminary announcements for the Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024). However, this listing should be considered tentative, as noted by Gematsu, citing the source's non-definitive nature.
