Palworld, a breakout game often described online as “Pokémon with guns,” has ignited massive interest — and controversy — since its January debut on Steam. Developed by the Japanese studio Pocketpair, the game has sold over 8 million copies in under six days, reaching 2 million concurrent users, and securing its place as the second-most-played title in Steam history.

But with viral success comes legal scrutiny. On Thursday, the Pokémon Company issued a statement indicating it would investigate “another company’s game” after receiving numerous inquiries — widely believed to be directed at Palworld — over potential intellectual property infringement.

“We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon,” the statement read.

Palworld’s Gameplay and Aesthetic Parallels

In Palworld, players use “Pal Spheres” to capture fictional creatures, or “Pals,” which assist in farming, construction, and even combat involving firearms — a mechanic many liken to Pokémon’s Poké Balls and battle systems.

Some of the creatures have striking visual similarities to Pokémon. Notable comparisons include:

• Sparkit: A yellow, sharp-eared critter resembling Pikachu
• Cremis: A white fox-like Pal compared to Eevee
• A penguin Pal similar to Pokémon’s Piplup
• A wolf-like creature that mirrors Lucario

Online discussions and reviews frequently reference these similarities. One Steam reviewer simply warned: “don’t get sued please.”

Pocketpair’s Response to the Pokémon Backlash

Takuro Mizobe, CEO of Pocketpair, has defended the game, stating that it underwent legal review prior to release and was never intended to infringe on another company’s intellectual property.

“We make our games very seriously, and we have absolutely no intention of infringing upon the intellectual property of other companies,” Mizobe said in an interview with Automaton.

He also told TheGamer in 2021 that he was unaware of the internet dubbing Palworld as “Pokémon with guns,” but acknowledged the meme had likely helped the game gain attention.

Not Just Pokémon: A Fusion of Game Influences

In addition to Pokémon, players have pointed out that Palworld appears to draw design elements and mechanics from other blockbuster titles like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Zelda. Interfaces and gameplay loops reminiscent of these titles have fueled broader questions around originality in modern game development.

As of now, major publishers including Nintendo (Pokémon, Zelda), Mojang Studios (Minecraft), and Epic Games (Fortnite) have not commented on the controversy.

Precedent and the Risk of Legal Fallout

This isn’t the first time a game has been criticized for closely mimicking an existing IP. In late 2023, The Day Before launched on Steam with strong visual and thematic similarities to The Last of Us. It was quickly panned for mediocre gameplay and led to the collapse of its developer, Fntastic, just days after release.

While Palworld has fared far better critically and commercially, its future may hinge on the outcome of the Pokémon Company’s investigation. Depending on legal findings, Pocketpair could face requests for asset changes, settlements, or in a worst-case scenario, removal from major digital platforms.

Conclusion

Palworld has proven there’s a massive appetite for innovative creature-collection games with open-world mechanics and multiplayer combat. But its striking resemblance to Pokémon may put its developers in a precarious legal position.

As the gaming world watches closely, the case could redefine how far indie studios can push the boundaries of homage — before it’s called infringement.

In interview about the game, published in 2021 by TheGamer, Mizobe said he was unaware the internet had been calling Palworld “Pokémon with guns” but said it could be a “lucky thing to have the meme of Pokemon with guns, but we totally didn’t intend it.”

Palworld is not the first instance of a game on Steam feeling eerily close to a different title. Most recently, in December, a zombie survival game called The Day Before immediately drew comparisons to the critically acclaimed zombie survival game The Last of Us. It teased similar visuals, and even similar title fonts, to the game.

But once players got their hands on it, many were disappointed, citing mediocre gameplay, according to The Verge. Within days of the game’s release, Fntastic, the developer behind The Day Before, announced it was shuttering.

Fast Facts

• Palworld launched on January 19, 2025, on Steam
• Over 8 million copies sold in 6 days
• Reached 2 million concurrent players
• Pokémon Company investigating possible IP infringement
• Developed by Japanese indie studio Pocketpair