Palworld Live Service Model May Be PocketPair's Best Option

Palworld CEO Takuro Mizobe recently spoke with ASCII Japan about the game's future, specifically addressing the possibility of transitioning to a live service model. The interview reveals a careful consideration of various options and the challenges involved.

Pocketpair's CEO on Palworld's Live Service Potential

A Profitable, Yet Complex Path

Mizobe confirmed that while Palworld will receive updates—including a new map, Pals, and raid bosses—the long-term direction remains undecided. He outlined two primary options: completing Palworld as a one-time purchase (B2P) game or transitioning to a live service (LiveOps) model.

A live service model, Mizobe acknowledged, offers significant business advantages, increasing profitability and extending the game's lifespan. However, he emphasized the considerable challenges. Palworld wasn't initially designed for this model, creating significant development hurdles.

Crucially, player preference is paramount. Mizobe highlighted the typical path of a game shifting to live service: starting as free-to-play (F2P) and then introducing paid content like skins and battle passes. Palworld's B2P structure makes this transition significantly more complex, requiring careful consideration of the potential impact on the existing player base.

He cited PUBG and Fall Guys as examples of successful F2P transitions, but emphasized the years it took each game to achieve that. The transition, while financially appealing, is far from straightforward.

Mizobe also discussed alternative monetization strategies, such as ad revenue. However, he deemed this approach unsuitable for Palworld's PC audience, citing the generally negative player reaction to ads in PC games, especially on platforms like Steam.

Currently, Pocketpair is focusing on attracting new players while retaining existing ones. The future of Palworld, Mizobe concluded, remains under careful consideration, with the recent Sakurajima update and the introduction of PvP arena mode representing significant steps in the game's ongoing development. The decision on whether to embrace a live service model will depend heavily on player feedback and a thorough assessment of the challenges involved.