Palworld Remains Buy-to-Play: Developer Quashes F2P Rumors
Following reports of discussions regarding a potential shift to a free-to-play (F2P) or Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) model, Palworld developer Pocketpair has officially confirmed that the game will remain a buy-to-play title.
In a recent statement on Twitter (X), the team explicitly stated that they are not changing the game's business model. This clarification follows an interview with ASCII Japan where the possibility of a live service and F2P model was explored. Pocketpair emphasized that while they are still internally discussing the best long-term strategy for Palworld's continued growth, a F2P/GaaS approach is not currently viable.
The developers reassured fans that their priority is creating the best possible experience, acknowledging that a shift to F2P wasn't aligned with player expectations. They apologized for any anxiety caused by earlier reports and reiterated their commitment to Palworld's success.
Pocketpair clarified that the interview with ASCII Japan was conducted several months prior and that their current focus includes exploring the potential for future DLC and cosmetic skins to support ongoing development. They intend to discuss these plans further with the community as they solidify their approach.
Separately, a potential PS5 version of Palworld has been listed in announcements for the upcoming Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024). However, it's important to note that this listing, published by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), is not considered definitive confirmation of an official announcement.