Pocketpair Publishes Tales of Kenzera Sequel

Palworld developer Pocketpair is branching out into publishing, partnering with Surgent Studios, creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau, for their next project. Pocketpair Publishing, the newly formed entity, announced on X/Twitter that they will be supporting Surgent Studios' upcoming horror game. This new title will be a standalone project, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe, though further collaborations within that universe remain a possibility.

Surgent Studios CEO, Abubakar Salim, explained the decision, stating that the game will explore a specific pattern observed within the entertainment industry. He emphasized the shared risk-taking approach between both studios, describing the game as "short and weird," promising an intriguing experience for players. While no release date or title has been revealed, the project is expected to be some time in development. This new horror game is also distinct from Surgent Studios' previously announced Project Uso.

Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking collaborations with other developers, emphasizing a supportive and collaborative approach. Their website states a commitment to avoiding creative control and respecting developers' visions. John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted their passion for games and their desire to facilitate a positive development environment for creators. He expressed enthusiasm for supporting Surgent Studios' new title, emphasizing their respect for the studio's autonomy and creative vision.

Salim, also a notable actor known for roles in Assassin's Creed Origins, House of the Dragon, and Tales of Kenzera: Zau, expressed his gratitude for the partnership on X/Twitter, highlighting the positive collaborative spirit within the industry.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a single-player Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a 7/10 rating from IGN, praised for its moving narrative. Despite this positive reception, Surgent Studios faced challenges, including layoffs and redundancy notices in July and October, respectively, due to funding difficulties. The partnership with Pocketpair Publishing offers significant support to the studio.

Pocketpair, meanwhile, continues to navigate a patent infringement lawsuit filed by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, following the remarkable sales success of Palworld.