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Palworld Creators Reject 'Pokemon With Guns' Label

Apr 10, 2025 8:47 AM

The developers of Palworld have expressed their dissatisfaction with the label "Pokemon with guns" that has been associated with their game since its introduction. According to John 'Bucky' Buckley from Pocketpair, the intention behind Palworld was never to be a Pokémon clone but rather a mix of gameplay styles inspired by ARK: Survival Evolved, emphasizing automation and unique creature abilities. The game, which garnered attention for this catchy tagline, finds its identity as more than just a "Pokémon shooter." Despite acknowledging that this label helped boost visibility, the team hopes players will appreciate the game on its own merits, as it significantly diverges from the Pokémon model. Buckley humorously suggested a more accurate description could be "ARK meets Factorio and Happy Tree Friends," reflecting their vision for combining genres and styles.

Does Palworld offer a unique gameplay experience compared to traditional Pokémon games? nYes, Palworld provides a distinct gameplay experience focusing more on survival mechanics and automation rather than merely capturing creatures, differentiating it significantly from traditional Pokémon games.n

Palworld is an indie game that initially captured attention in June 2021 and blends creature collection with strategic automation gameplay. Drawing inspiration from titles like ARK: Survival Evolved, it features unique creatures, each possessing special abilities, which marks a departure from the more straightforward creature-collecting mechanics commonly associated with Pokémon. The game aims to create a richer and more complex world where players can engage with their surroundings and automate tasks using the unique powers of the creatures they encounter.



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Alex Riverton

Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.

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