Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe recently addressed the possibility of a Nintendo Switch port for their popular creature-collecting and survival shooter game, Palworld. While not completely dismissing the idea, Mizobe cited significant technical hurdles as the primary obstacle.
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Palworld's Switch Port: A Technical Challenge
Palworld's demanding PC specifications present a considerable challenge for porting to the Switch's less powerful hardware. Mizobe emphasized that this technical difficulty, not competition with Pokémon, is the main reason for the current uncertainty.
Future Platforms and Partnerships
Currently, Pocketpair has no concrete plans to announce regarding new platforms for Palworld. While discussions are ongoing about potential future releases on various platforms, including PlayStation, mobile, and other consoles, no decisions have been finalized. Mizobe confirmed previous interest in partnerships and acquisition offers but stated that there have been no buyout talks with Microsoft.
The game's initial success, with 15 million PC sales and 10 million Xbox players (via Game Pass), underscores its potential for broader market expansion. Mizobe remains optimistic about future platform releases.
Expanding Multiplayer Features: An 'Ark' or 'Rust' Vision
Beyond platform considerations, Mizobe outlined his vision for expanding Palworld's multiplayer capabilities. An upcoming arena mode, described as an experiment, will serve as a stepping stone towards a more substantial PvP experience. Mizobe expressed a desire to incorporate elements reminiscent of popular survival games like Ark and Rust, emphasizing the potential for deeper player interaction, alliances, and competitive gameplay.
The upcoming Sakurajima update, launching Thursday, will introduce a new island, the highly anticipated PvP arena, and additional content, further demonstrating Pocketpair's commitment to expanding Palworld's features and engaging its player base.