Tokyo, Japan — Nintendo, a giant in the global gaming industry, has taken legal action against Pocketpair, a developer it claims has infringed on its patents with the game “Palworld,” often referred to as “Pokémon with guns.” The lawsuit, filed in Tokyo District Court by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, targets the Japanese studio responsible for the viral game that echoes the style and gameplay of Nintendo’s famed “Pokémon” series.
“Palworld,” which has seen remarkable sales exceeding five million copies within just three days of its launch, incorporates player characters armed with weapons alongside monsters reminiscent of Pokémon creatures. The companies allege that such similarities infringe multiple patent rights owned by Nintendo.
A Nintendo statement underscored its commitment to defending its intellectual properties, stating, “We will take necessary actions against any infringement of its intellectual property rights,” highlighting the efforts made over the years to build and maintain this portfolio. The company is pursuing both an injunction to stop further alleged infringements and compensation for damages, although specific figures were not disclosed.
“Palworld” is still in the stages of development but has been made available in an “early access version” which retails for $29.99 on the Steam online platform in the U.S. The game is described as a multiplayer, open-world survival and crafting game where players can battle, farm, build, and interact with creatures called ‘Pals’.
Initial reactions to the game had been generally positive, emphasizing its high-quality graphics and engaging gameplay. However, it also drew attention for the unnerving similarities between its “Pals” and the iconic Pokémon. This resemblance led to its nickname and sparked the controversy now culminating in legal action.
The success and influence of the Pokémon franchise since its inception in 1996 have been staggering. Originally launched as a Game Boy role-playing game, Pokémon quickly evolved into a broad media franchise encompassing a widely popular animated TV series and films. The franchise’s enduring slogan, “Gotta Catch ‘Em All,” has become a cultural catchphrase.
Authorities at Pocketpair have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the lawsuit.
The situation underscores a broader narrative in the gaming industry where original ideas and intellectual properties are fiercely guarded, reflecting their immense cultural and commercial value. Legal disputes such as this highlight the delicate balance developers must navigate in creating content that is both fresh and respectful of existing intellectual property rights.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the global gaming community will be watching closely, aware that the outcome could have implications not only for the two companies involved but also for broader industry standards and practices.