Palworld's Live Service Strategy: A Promising Future for PocketPair

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 challenges involved.

Live Service: A Lucrative but Complex Path

Mizobe confirmed continued 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 admitted that a live service approach offers significant financial advantages and extends the game's lifespan. However, he emphasized the inherent difficulties, given Palworld's initial design wasn't built for this model.

A key consideration is player preference. Mizobe pointed out that successful live service transitions usually occur with free-to-play (F2P) games, where monetization is introduced through paid content like skins and battle passes. Palworld's B2P structure presents a significant hurdle. He cited PUBG and Fall Guys as examples of successful F2P transitions, but highlighted the years of effort required.

Alternative Monetization Strategies: A Cautious Approach

Mizobe also discussed alternative monetization, including in-game advertising. However, he expressed skepticism about its effectiveness on PC, citing potential negative player reactions and a lack of successful precedents on platforms like Steam. He observed that PC gamers generally react poorly to intrusive advertisements.

Currently, Pocketpair is focused on increasing player engagement and satisfaction with the existing player base. Mizobe concluded that the future direction of Palworld remains under careful consideration, emphasizing the importance of balancing business goals with player expectations. The game is currently in early access, having recently released its major Sakurajima update, including the anticipated PvP arena.