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, "We are not changing our game’s business model; it will remain buy-to-play and not F2P or GaaS." This clarification follows an interview with ASCII Japan where the developers explored various future possibilities for the game.
Pocketpair emphasized that while they are actively exploring the best long-term strategy for Palworld's continued growth, a F2P/GaaS model is not currently viable. They cited the significant development effort required to adapt the game to such a model, along with their understanding of player preferences. The developer reassured fans that their feedback is a top priority.
The statement also addressed concerns arising from the ASCII Japan interview, clarifying that the interview was conducted several months prior and that their current focus remains on delivering the best possible Palworld experience. While the future inclusion of cosmetic DLC and skins is under consideration to support ongoing development, the developer promises further community discussions before any decisions are finalized.
A potential PS5 version of Palworld has also surfaced in a preliminary list of titles for the upcoming Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024). However, it's important to note that this list, published by CESA, is not considered definitive.
