Nintendo and its partner, The Pokémon Company, have taken legal action against Pocketpair Inc., the developer behind the hit survival adventure game Palworld, accusing it of patent infringement. The game, which has been nicknamed “Pokémon with guns” since its trailer was released in 2021, has faced scrutiny following its launch in January of this year.
The Pokémon Company swiftly announced that it would investigate allegations of imitation after the game’s release. Although Pocketpair Inc. has yet to respond to BBC News’ request for comment, the company’s leader had previously claimed that Palworld had undergone thorough legal review.
In their statements, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company assert that Palworld violates multiple patents and are seeking both an injunction to halt further infringement and compensation for damages. They argue that the game’s elements encroach upon intellectual property rights they hold.
Despite these legal challenges, Palworld has quickly garnered widespread popularity, with over 25 million players joining within a month of its release. The game shares several features with the Pokémon franchise, including the core concept of capturing and training fantastical creatures. Players, known as “pal-tamers,” traverse a vast map, engaging in battles with both human opponents and various creatures termed “pals.” These pals can either assist in combat or be utilized for tasks at the player’s base, such as crafting items and supplies.
In January, The Pokémon Company revealed plans to investigate the claims that Palworld had copied elements from its own games after fans highlighted notable similarities. At the time, The Pokémon Company indicated that it would take “appropriate action” if it confirmed any breaches of copyright or patent rights.
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