Pocketpair, the developer behind the wildly popular game Palworld, is gearing up for a significant update scheduled for late March 2025. This update promises to introduce crossplay functionality across all platforms, allowing players to enjoy multiplayer gaming regardless of their chosen device. Additionally, the update will feature world transfer capabilities for Pals, enhancing the gaming experience for its vast player base.
In a recent post on X/Twitter, Pocketpair shared a glimpse of what's to come with a promotional image showcasing Palworld characters battling a formidable Pal. John 'Bucky' Buckley, the Communications Director and Publishing Manager at Pocketpair, hinted at "a few little surprises" that will accompany the March update, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
This news comes as a boon for the game's 32 million players who have embraced Palworld since its early access launch in January 2024. The studio has outlined an ambitious content roadmap for 2025, which includes not only crossplay but also an "ending scenario" and additional new content to keep the creature-catching survival game fresh and engaging.
Palworld burst onto the scene with a $30 price tag on Steam and was immediately available on Game Pass for Xbox and PC. Its launch shattered sales records and set new benchmarks for concurrent player numbers. Pocketpair's CEO, Takuro Mizobe, revealed that the game's launch was so successful that the studio struggled to manage the influx of profits. Capitalizing on this success, Pocketpair quickly moved to expand the Palworld universe by signing a deal with Sony to create Palworld Entertainment, a new business focused on expanding the IP and bringing the game to PS5.
However, the shadow of legal challenges looms over Pocketpair's ambitions. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have initiated a lawsuit against Pocketpair, alleging infringement on "multiple" patent rights and seeking an injunction and compensation for damages. In response, Pocketpair has identified the specific patents in question and made adjustments to how players summon Pals in Palworld. The studio remains steadfast, ready to defend its position in court, stating, "We will continue to assert our position in this case through future legal proceedings."
