Palworld's Future: Live Service or Standalone? Pocketpair CEO Weighs In
Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe recently spoke with ASCII Japan about Palworld's future, specifically addressing the possibility of transitioning the popular creature-catching shooter into a live service game. While no final decision has been made, Mizobe outlined the potential benefits and challenges involved.
The live service model, offering continuous content updates and monetization opportunities, presents significant advantages from a business perspective, potentially extending the game's lifespan and profitability. However, Mizobe acknowledges the considerable hurdles. Palworld's current buy-to-play (B2P) structure wasn't initially designed for live service, making the transition complex and potentially disruptive.
A crucial factor is player reception. Mizobe highlights the typical path of a game transitioning to live service: starting as free-to-play (F2P) and then adding paid content. Palworld's B2P model complicates this, requiring a significant shift potentially alienating its existing player base. He cites successful examples like PUBG and Fall Guys, but emphasizes the years it took them to successfully implement this model.
Alternative monetization strategies, such as ad monetization, are also being considered. However, Mizobe expresses skepticism regarding its effectiveness on PC platforms, noting the negative player reactions to in-game advertisements often seen on Steam.
Currently, Pocketpair is focused on attracting new players while retaining its existing community. The recent Sakurajima update and the introduction of PvP arena mode are steps in this direction. The ultimate decision on Palworld's future – whether it remains a B2P title or adopts a live service model – remains under careful consideration. The company is prioritizing a path that balances business goals with player satisfaction.
