Pocketpair's CEO, Takuro Mizobe, recently spoke with ASCII Japan about Palworld's future, specifically addressing the possibility of transitioning to a live service model. While no firm decisions have been made, Mizobe confirmed ongoing development, including plans for new maps, Pals, and raid bosses.
The company is considering two paths: completing Palworld as a "packaged" buy-to-play (B2P) title or adopting a live service model (LiveOps). Mizobe acknowledged the financial advantages of a live service model, which would extend the game's lifespan and revenue streams. However, he emphasized the significant challenges involved, given Palworld's initial design wasn't built for this model.
A crucial factor is player preference. Mizobe noted that successfully transitioning to a live service model from a B2P structure is complex, requiring careful consideration of the player base's reception. He cited examples like PUBG and Fall Guys, highlighting the years it took them to successfully transition to a free-to-play (F2P) model with subsequent monetization.
Mizobe also discussed other monetization strategies, such as ad integration. However, he expressed skepticism about its viability for a PC game, citing potential negative player reactions and a lack of successful precedents on platforms like Steam.
Currently, Pocketpair is focused on increasing player engagement and retention while exploring various options. Palworld remains in early access, having recently launched its substantial Sakurajima update and the highly anticipated PvP arena. The ultimate direction for Palworld remains under careful consideration.
