Pocketpair's CEO, Takuro Mizobe, recently spoke with ASCII Japan about Palworld's future, specifically addressing the possibility of transitioning the game to a live service model. While no final decision has been made, Mizobe acknowledged the potential benefits and significant challenges involved.
Live Service: A Profitable but Complex Path
Mizobe confirmed ongoing updates for Palworld, including new maps, Pals, and raid bosses. However, he outlined two potential future directions: completing Palworld as a buy-to-play (B2P) title or transitioning to a live service model (LiveOps). He openly stated that a live service approach offers greater profit potential and longevity, but also presents considerable difficulties. Palworld's initial design wasn't geared towards live service, making the transition a complex undertaking.
A crucial factor is player preference. Mizobe highlighted the typical live service model—starting as free-to-play (F2P) and then introducing paid content—as significantly different from Palworld's current B2P structure. He cited successful F2P-to-live-service transitions like PUBG and Fall Guys, but emphasized the years of effort required for such transformations.
Alternative Monetization Strategies
Mizobe also discussed alternative monetization options, such as in-game advertising. However, he dismissed this as impractical for a PC game like Palworld, citing the negative reactions of PC gamers to ads, particularly on platforms like Steam.
Currently, Pocketpair is focused on attracting new players while retaining its existing community. The future direction of Palworld remains under careful consideration, with the game currently in early access and recently launching its major Sakurajima update, including the highly anticipated PvP arena. The decision on whether to pursue a live service model will hinge on a careful assessment of both business viability and player feedback.
