In just three days since its initial release, Pocketpair’s Palworld, a monster-catching RPG that touts itself as a Pokemon-inspired game with guns, has sold a staggering four million copies. The game’s rapid ascent is evident, with one million copies being sold in a mere eight hours, followed by two million at 24 hours, and finally reaching three million at 40 hours. Palworld has already made its mark in the gaming world by claiming the title of the fifth most popular game in terms of concurrent players, surpassing acclaimed titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, and Baldur’s Gate 3. Its peak of 1.292 million players on PC is a monumental achievement, and it currently maintains the highest concurrent player count on Steam, with 828,271 players. Undoubtedly, these numbers speak volumes about the game’s success and Pocketpair’s ability to capture the attention of gamers worldwide.
Deja Vu: Familiar Design Elements
However, with its overnight fame comes a resurgence of discourse surrounding Palworld, primarily focused on allegations of Pocketpair potentially utilizing AI, as well as the striking resemblance its character designs bear to those of Pokemon. Ever since the game was first announced, social media platforms have been buzzing with Pokemon fans pointing out the uncanny similarities between certain Palworld designs and iconic Pokemon creatures. Upon the game’s full release, these designs have been placed under an even greater spotlight, leading players to identify various Palworld characters that appear directly inspired by existing Pokemon.
One particular instance garnered attention when Barbie-Elite4 took to Twitter / X, highlighting a creature called Dumud in Palworld, whose head fin bears a striking resemblance to Sobble, a character from Pokemon. Moreover, Grintale, a cat-like creature in Palworld, remarkably resembles Galarian Meowth in terms of facial features. Similarities between Jolthog and Shaymin, as well as the unmistakable resemblance between Pal named Wixen and Braixen, have also been pointed out by Barbie-Elite4 and numerous other Twitter users. These observations have ignited a Twitter thread debating the design processes behind Palworld and casting doubt on its originality.
AI Assistance or Inexperience?
The ongoing discourse regarding Palworld’s character designs has fueled speculation among commenters. Some suggest that Pocketpair may have used AI assistance during the design process, while others lean towards the notion of developer inexperience resulting in the lack of originality. Regardless, it is crucial to recognize that Palworld has undeniably achieved immense popularity, which continues to grow by the hour. The controversy surrounding its character designs, although prominent, may not tarnish the game’s reputation nor deter fans from enjoying the unique gameplay experiences it offers.
While Palworld’s wild success cannot be disregarded, it is essential to acknowledge the ongoing controversy surrounding its character designs. The striking resemblance between certain Palworld creatures and Pokemon characters has created a significant buzz on social media platforms. Whether these similarities stem from AI assistance or developer inexperience, Pocketpair’s achievement in capturing the attention of millions of players worldwide remains evident. As the game continues to thrive, both supporters and critics eagerly await the developer’s response to the controversy and the future of Palworld in the gaming industry.
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