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 factors, balancing potential profits with player satisfaction.

Pocketpair CEO Weighs in on Palworld's Live Service Potential

A Business Opportunity, But a Significant Challenge

While confirming upcoming updates including a new map, Pals, and raid bosses, Mizobe clarified that the long-term direction for Palworld remains undecided. Two primary paths are under consideration: completing Palworld as a buy-to-play (B2P) title, or transitioning to a live service model (LiveOps). B2P offers a one-time purchase for full game access, while live service models rely on continuous content releases and monetization strategies.

Palworld Live Service Model May Be PocketPair's Best Option

Mizobe acknowledged the significant business advantages of a live service model, increasing profit potential and extending the game's lifespan. However, he emphasized the inherent challenges. Palworld's initial design wasn't built for live service, making the transition complex. Crucially, player preference is paramount. The success of such a shift depends heavily on whether the player base desires this change. He pointed out that most games successfully adopting live service models were initially free-to-play (F2P), allowing for the later introduction of paid content like skins and battle passes. Palworld's B2P model complicates this transition, citing the lengthy processes observed in successful conversions of titles like PUBG and Fall Guys.

Palworld Live Service Model May Be PocketPair's Best Option

Mizobe also discussed other monetization strategies, including ad monetization. However, he expressed skepticism about its effectiveness for Palworld, particularly on PC. He noted the difficulty of implementing ads successfully in PC games, citing potential negative player reactions, particularly within the Steam community.

Currently, Pocketpair is focused on attracting new players while retaining its existing community. The team is carefully weighing all options before deciding on Palworld's future trajectory. The game remains in early access, recently releasing its major Sakurajima update and introducing the anticipated PvP arena mode.