When you think of Palworld, the phrase "Pokemon with guns" likely springs to mind. This catchy moniker has been widely used since the game's initial surge in popularity, largely contributing to its viral spread due to the intriguing blend of two seemingly disparate concepts. Even we at IGN have used the phrase, just like everyone else, as it provided a quick and easy way for newcomers to grasp the game's essence.
However, according to John 'Bucky' Buckley, Pocketpair's communications director and publishing manager, the "Pokemon with guns" label was never the intended focus. Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, Buckley expressed that Pocketpair does not particularly love the moniker. He reflected on the game's debut in June 2021 at the Indie Live Expo in Japan, where it received a warm reception. Yet, the Western media quickly tagged it as a 'certain franchise' plus guns, a label that has persistently stuck despite efforts to move away from it.
In a follow-up interview, Buckley clarified that Pokemon was never a part of the original pitch. While the development team includes Pokemon fans who noticed the monster-collecting similarities, the inspiration was more aligned with ARK: Survival Evolved. Buckley mentioned their previous game, Craftopia, which drew from ARK, and emphasized that the goal for Palworld was to expand on these elements, focusing on automation and unique creature abilities. The initial trailer led to the "Pokemon with guns" label, which, though not ideal, undeniably boosted the game's visibility.
Buckley acknowledged the role the label played in Palworld's success, mentioning that it even led to humorous actions like Dave Oshry from New Blood Interactive trademarking 'Pokemonwithguns.com'. Yet, he expressed frustration that some still view the game solely through this lens without experiencing it firsthand. He encouraged potential players to give Palworld a chance before forming opinions.
Furthermore, Buckley does not see Pokemon as a direct competitor, believing the audiences for both games do not significantly overlap. He reiterated ARK as a more fitting comparison and dismissed the notion of intense competition within the gaming industry, suggesting it's often exaggerated for marketing purposes. He pointed out that timing of releases poses a bigger challenge than direct competition with other games, even mentioning that a "very significant" portion of Palworld players also purchased Helldivers 2 upon its release.
If Buckley could choose a different viral tagline, he humorously suggested, "Palworld: It's Kind of Like ARK if ARK Met Factorio and Happy Tree Friends." While admitting it's not as catchy, he felt it better represents the game's unique blend of survival, automation, and whimsical elements.
Buckley and I also discussed the potential for Palworld to come to the Nintendo Switch 2, the possibility of Pocketpair being acquired, and other topics in our full interview, which you can read here.
