Pocketpair, the developer behind the popular monster-catching game Palworld, confirmed recent patches have made significant changes to gameplay mechanics, stating these adjustments were forced by ongoing patent infringement litigation filed by Nintendo and The Pokemon Company. The company described the alterations as "compromises" necessary to avoid disrupting the game's development and distribution.
The changes include modifications implemented in a November 2024 patch, v0.3.11, which removed the ability to summon Pals by throwing Pal Spheres, replacing it with a static summon next to the player character. Pocketpair acknowledged players had correctly speculated this change resulted from the legal action.
Further modifications are being made in the upcoming patch v0.5.5. This update will change how gliding is performed in the game. Players will now need to use a dedicated glider item from their inventory, rather than directly using Pals for gliding. Pals in the team will still offer passive benefits to gliding speed or duration.
Nintendo and The Pokemon Company filed the lawsuit alleging patent infringement. Reports have indicated the patents central to the dispute relate to mechanics like capturing creatures in a field by throwing an object, a system found in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Palworld features a similar capture mechanic involving Pal Spheres.
Pocketpair expressed disappointment in being required to make these adjustments but stated the alternative would have led to a greater deterioration of the player experience. The company indicated these measures were taken out of concern that an injunction could be granted, potentially blocking sales or development.
Despite implementing the forced changes, Pocketpair stated it intends to continue fighting the lawsuit. The developer plans to focus on asserting the invalidity of the patents in question as part of its legal defense against the claims made by Nintendo and The Pokemon Company.
Pocketpair's CEO previously commented that the game's rapid success brought in profits too big for a studio their size to handle. The studio has since taken steps to expand the IP, including forming Palworld Entertainment.
The legal battle has reportedly come as a surprise to Pocketpair. John Buckley, communications director for the developer, stated at the Game Developers Conference in March that the lawsuit "came as a shock" and was "something that no one even considered."
Pocketpair apologized to fans for the concern caused by the ongoing litigation.
"We remain committed to developing Palworld and delivering exciting new content to our fans," the company stated.
