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Palworld Developer Warns of More Disappointing Changes Amid Lawsuit

May 08, 2025 9:11 AM

The ongoing legal battle between Pocketpair, the developers of Palworld, and Nintendo is forcing the studio to implement changes to its monster-catching survival game. Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, claiming the game infringes on multiple patents. As a result, Pocketpair recently made adjustments to the gameplay mechanics, notably removing the ability to summon creatures using Pokéball-style Pal Spheres. In a recent patch, players will now require a glider for gliding instead of relying on creatures, which Pocketpair admits may disappoint fans but believes is necessary to continue the game's development amidst legal pressures. The developer has publicly disputed the validity of Nintendo's claims, citing precedents in other games.

What specific changes have been made to Palworld due to the lawsuit?

Palworld has removed the Pokéball-style Pal Sphere summoning mechanic and introduced a new requirement for players to use a glider for gliding, which includes passive buffs from their Pals.

Palworld is a unique game that blends monster-catching mechanics with survival gameplay elements, often referred to as "Pokémon with guns." It has attracted attention and controversy due to its visual and thematic similarities to the Pokémon series, prompting legal scrutiny from Nintendo. The game's community has closely followed developments as it navigates through this legal landscape, eager for updates and new content amidst the ongoing lawsuit.



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Casey Loh

Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.

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