Palworld Free To Play Talks Shut Down, Devs Confirm It \"Will Remain Buy-to-Play\"

Following reports of potential model shifts, Palworld developer Pocketpair has officially confirmed that the game will remain a buy-to-play title, dismissing speculation about a free-to-play (F2P) or Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) transition.

Palworld Remains Buy-to-Play

Future Development Supported by DLC and Skins

In a recent statement on Twitter (X), Pocketpair clarified its position: "Palworld's business model will remain buy-to-play; it will not become F2P or GaaS." The statement followed an interview where the developer explored various future possibilities, including live service and F2P models. While internal discussions continue regarding the game's long-term growth, the F2P/GaaS approach has been ruled out. The team emphasized its commitment to prioritizing player preferences.

Pocketpair reassured fans that the game's design wasn't initially conceived for F2P/GaaS, making adaptation too extensive. The developer apologized for any anxiety caused by earlier reports and reiterated its dedication to creating the best possible Palworld experience. Future development will be supported through the addition of skins and DLC, with further details to be shared later.

The previously reported interview with ASCII Japan, where CEO Takuro Mizobe discussed future plans, was conducted several months ago. While Mizobe mentioned future updates including new Pals and raid bosses, the recent statement provides a clearer picture of the game's ongoing development strategy.

Finally, rumors of a PS5 version appearing in a Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024) announcement list should be treated with caution, as the list's definitive nature is questionable.