Pocketpair, the Japanese game developer behind the popular “Pokémon with guns” game, Palworld, is venturing into the indie game publishing arena. This strategic move comes amidst a challenging period for smaller game studios, often facing difficulties securing funding and navigating an increasingly competitive market. Pocketpair’s own success with Palworld, which garnered over 25 million players shortly after launch, has seemingly provided them with the resources and motivation to support other independent developers facing similar hurdles. Their inaugural publishing project will be a horror game developed by Surgent Studios, the creators of the 2024 Afrofuturism-themed Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This as-yet-unnamed horror title is slated for release later this year and promises a unique and unsettling experience distinct from Surgent Studios’ previous work.
The current landscape of the gaming industry, particularly for independent studios, is fraught with financial and logistical obstacles. Securing funding for game development has become increasingly difficult, and even promising projects often struggle to gain traction. Pocketpair’s entry into publishing aims to address this issue, providing a platform and resources for smaller developers to bring their creative visions to life. The company’s statement emphasizes the abundance of innovative ideas and talented creators within the indie game scene, many of whom simply need a helping hand to realize their potential. This echoes the sentiment expressed by Innersloth, the developers of the immensely popular Among Us, who similarly launched their own publishing arm to support fellow indie developers.
The partnership between Pocketpair and Surgent Studios appears mutually beneficial. Pocketpair gains the opportunity to diversify its portfolio and contribute to the growth of the indie game community, while Surgent Studios receives the essential financial and logistical support needed to continue development after facing funding challenges following the release of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. Surgent Studios founder, Abubakar Salim, confirmed that this horror project is separate from their flagship Kenzera series and represents a stylistic departure into a new and intriguing genre. The game is described as “short and weird,” hinting at a concise but impactful experience designed to resonate with players on a primal level.
This new horror game represents a conscious departure from Surgent Studios’ previous work. While Tales of Kenzera: Zau immersed players in a vibrant Afrofuturistic world, this upcoming title will explore the darker facets of human emotion through the lens of horror. Salim describes the genre as a “fascinating space” that taps into primal fears and anxieties, offering players a glimpse into a reality distinct from their own, yet capable of stirring deep-seated unease. The developers aim to capitalize on the current global climate, crafting an experience that reflects and amplifies the pervasive sense of uncertainty and tension.
Pocketpair’s foray into publishing and their collaboration with Surgent Studios underscore the growing importance of collaborative efforts within the indie game community. By leveraging their success with Palworld, Pocketpair is effectively creating opportunities for other developers to overcome financial barriers and bring their unique visions to a wider audience. This model of support, where established studios invest in emerging talent, fosters a more diverse and vibrant gaming landscape, allowing for the creation of games that might otherwise struggle to find their footing. Surgent Studios’ willingness to embark on a new creative direction with the horror genre further demonstrates the potential for growth and innovation that such partnerships can facilitate.
While Pocketpair’s move into publishing is a positive step for the indie game scene, the company continues to navigate the legal complexities of the gaming industry. They are currently embroiled in a lawsuit with Nintendo, who allege copyright infringement related to Palworld’s perceived similarities to the Pokémon franchise. However, this legal challenge doesn’t seem to have deterred Surgent Studios from partnering with Pocketpair. Salim expressed confidence in the collaboration and excitement for the upcoming release, indicating that the lawsuit has not significantly impacted their working relationship. The future of Pocketpair’s publishing ventures, and indeed the success of their inaugural horror project, will undoubtedly be influenced by the outcome of this legal dispute. Nonetheless, their commitment to supporting indie developers marks a significant development in the evolving landscape of the gaming world.
