Palworld Chooses Live Service for Growth

Pocketpair CEO Discusses Palworld's Future: Live Service or Standalone?

A Balancing Act: Profit vs. Player Satisfaction

In a recent interview with ASCII Japan, Palworld CEO Takuro Mizobe addressed the game's uncertain future. The question: will Palworld become a live service game, or remain a traditional buy-to-play (B2P) title?

While no firm decision has been made, Mizobe confirmed ongoing updates, including a new map, Pals, and raid bosses. However, he revealed two potential paths forward: completing Palworld as a B2P game or transitioning to a live service model (LiveOps).

Mizobe acknowledged the financial advantages of a live service model, stating it offers greater profit potential and extends the game's lifespan. However, he also highlighted the inherent challenges. Palworld's original design wasn't built for live service, making the transition complex.

Crucially, player preference will be a deciding factor. Mizobe noted the typical live service model involves transitioning a free-to-play (F2P) game to monetized content like skins and battle passes. Palworld's B2P structure complicates this, requiring careful consideration of player reception. He cited PUBG and Fall Guys as examples of successful, but lengthy, transitions to F2P and live service.

The team is also exploring other options to increase player engagement. Ad monetization was considered, but Mizobe dismissed it as unsuitable for a PC game, citing potential negative player reaction, particularly within the Steam community.

Currently in early access, Palworld recently launched its major Sakurajima update, including the highly anticipated PvP arena. The game's future direction remains under careful consideration, balancing financial viability with player satisfaction.