Following reports of discussions regarding a potential shift to a free-to-play model, Palworld developer Pocketpair has officially confirmed the game will remain a buy-to-play title. The studio is committed to its current business model and assures fans that a free-to-play or Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) transition is not in the works.
Palworld Remains Buy-to-Play
Future Plans: DLC and Skins Under Consideration
In a recent Twitter (X) statement, Pocketpair clarified its position: "We are not changing our game’s business model; it will remain buy-to-play and not F2P or GaaS." The developer acknowledged previous discussions about the game's future direction, including the possibility of a live service and F2P model, but emphasized that these were exploratory conversations and not a commitment to change.
Pocketpair explained that while they are still internally debating the optimal long-term strategy for Palworld's continued growth, the F2P/GaaS approach has been ruled out. The team stated that Palworld's design doesn't lend itself to such a model, and adapting it would be too extensive. They also emphasized their dedication to prioritizing player preferences.
The studio reiterated its commitment to delivering the best possible Palworld experience, apologizing for any anxiety caused by earlier reports. They confirmed that an interview with ASCII Japan, which sparked the initial speculation, was conducted several months prior and doesn't reflect current plans. While the CEO previously hinted at future content updates, including new Pals and raid bosses, the studio now states they are exploring the possibility of future skins and DLC to support ongoing development.
Separately, there have been reports of a potential PS5 version of Palworld being listed for the upcoming Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024). However, it’s important to note that this listing, sourced from the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), shouldn't be considered definitive confirmation.
