PocketPair's Palworld: Live Service Model Eyed

Palworld CEO Takuro Mizobe discusses the future of Palworld in an interview with ASCII Japan, commenting on transforming the popular creature-catching shooter into a live service game and addressing Palworld fans' expectations.

Pocketpair CEO Comments on Transforming Palworld Into a Live Service GameBeneficial, Yet Demanding

In a recent interview with outlet ASCII Japan, Palworld CEO Takuro Mizobe discussed the potential destiny that Palworld may face. To be a live service game or not to be? When specifically asked concerning the future developments for Palworld, Mizobe plainly stated that nothing concrete has been determined, for now.

"Of course, we will update [Palworld] with new content," he said, with devs Pocketpair planning to add a new map, more new Pals, as well as raid bosses to keep things interesting. "But for the future of Palworld, we are considering two options," Mizobe added.

"Either we finish Palworld, as is, as a 'complete' buy-to-play (B2P) game, or it becomes a live-service game (referred to as LiveOps in the interview)," Mizobe explained. B2P is a type of revenue model wherein the full game can be accessed and played after a one-time purchase. Whereas in live service models, otherwise known as games-as-a-service, games typically utilize monetization strategies with the continuous release of monetized content.

"From a business standpoint, transforming Palworld into a live service game would offer more profit potential and lengthen the game's lifespan." Though, Mizobe noted that Palworld wasn't initially conceived with the live service model in mind, "so it would definitely be challenging to pursue that approach."

Another factor Mizobe mentioned needing careful consideration is Palworld's appeal as a live service game to fans. "And the most crucial aspect is [determining] whether the players desire it." He added, "Generally, a game needs to already be F2P (free-to-play) to adopt a live service model, with paid content like skins and battle passes added later. But Palworld is a one-time purchase game (B2P), making a transition to live service difficult."

He further elaborated, "Several games have successfully transitioned to F2P," citing major successes like PUBG and Fall Guys, "but both took years to achieve that successfully. While I appreciate the business advantages of the live service model, it's not straightforward."

Currently, Pocketpair is investigating methods to boost engagement and attract new players while maintaining its current player base's satisfaction, Mizobe stated. "We've also received guidance on implementing ad monetization, but the fundamental principle is that ad monetization is challenging to integrate, unless it's a mobile game," he added, noting that he can't recall instances of PC games that successfully utilized ad monetization. He further commented on the behavior he's observed among PC players, saying, "Even if it proved effective for a PC game, Steam users would likely resent the ads. Many users become irritated by ad insertions."

"Therefore, we are presently carefully considering Palworld's future direction," Mizobe concluded. Currently, Palworld remains in its early access stage, having recently released its largest update, Sakurajima, and its highly-anticipated PvP arena mode.