Pocketpair Publishes Tales of Kenzera Sequel

Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, is branching out into publishing with its newly formed Pocketpair Publishing. Their first project? A brand-new horror game from Surgent Studios, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This chilling new title will be a standalone project, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe, though Surgent Studios hasn't ruled out future projects within that world.

Surgent Studios CEO, Abubakar Salim (also known for his acting roles in Assassin's Creed Origins and House of the Dragon), describes the upcoming horror game as "short and weird," promising a unique experience. He emphasizes the shared risk-taking approach between Surgent and Pocketpair, highlighting their collaborative spirit. While a release date and title remain unannounced, the project is clearly still in its early stages. This new venture is also distinct from Surgent Studios' previously announced Project Uso.

Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking pitches from other developers, emphasizing a hands-off approach that prioritizes creative freedom. John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlights their commitment to supporting developers and fostering an environment where creators can thrive. He expresses excitement about partnering with Surgent Studios, praising their original ideas and passion.

Salim expressed his honor at being Pocketpair Publishing's inaugural partner, celebrating the collaborative spirit driving the gaming industry in 2025.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a single-player Metroidvania exploring themes of grief and love, received a positive reception (7/10 from IGN), though its commercial success was unfortunately hampered by funding challenges that led to layoffs within Surgent Studios. The support from Pocketpair Publishing is therefore a significant boost for the studio. This new partnership comes as Pocketpair continues to navigate a patent infringement lawsuit filed by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo following Palworld's successful launch.