Palworld Free To Play Talks Shut Down, Devs Confirm It \"Will Remain Buy-to-Play\"

Palworld Remains Buy-to-Play: Developer Quashes F2P Rumors

Following reports of discussions regarding a potential shift to a free-to-play (F2P) or Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) model, Palworld developer Pocketpair has officially confirmed that the game will remain a buy-to-play title.

In a recent statement on Twitter (X), the team explicitly stated that they are not changing the game's business model. This clarification follows an interview with ASCII Japan where the possibility of a live service and F2P model was mentioned. Pocketpair emphasized that while they are exploring various options for Palworld's long-term growth, a F2P/GaaS approach is not currently viable.

The developer reassured players that their feedback is valued and that the game was not initially designed for a F2P model. Adapting the game at this stage would require significant effort, and the team recognizes that a shift away from the current model is not what the player base desires. Pocketpair reiterated their commitment to making Palworld the best possible experience. They apologized for any anxiety caused by the previous reports and thanked players for their continued support.

The interview with ASCII Japan, which sparked the initial speculation, was conducted several months ago, according to Pocketpair. In that interview, CEO Takuro Mizobe hinted at future content updates, including new Pals and raid bosses. The recent statement clarified that the team is currently exploring the possibility of adding skins and DLC as a means of supporting ongoing development. Further details on this will be shared at a later date.

Finally, the possibility of a PlayStation 5 version of Palworld has surfaced in a list of titles slated for the Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024). While this list, published by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), is not considered definitive, it hints at a potential announcement during the event.