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 firm decisions have been made, Mizobe acknowledged the ongoing consideration of two distinct paths.
Live Service or Standalone? A Business and Player Perspective
Mizobe confirmed continued updates for Palworld, including a new map, Pals, and raid bosses. However, the long-term vision involves a choice between completing Palworld as a one-time purchase (buy-to-play or B2P) title or transitioning to a live service model (LiveOps). He openly stated that a live service approach offers greater profit potential and extends the game's lifespan. However, he also highlighted the inherent challenges, noting Palworld's initial design wasn't built for this model.
A crucial factor in this decision is player preference. Mizobe pointed out the typical live service model's reliance on a free-to-play (F2P) foundation, with monetization through add-ons like skins and battle passes. Palworld's B2P structure complicates this transition, requiring careful consideration of the potential impact on the existing player base. He cited PUBG and Fall Guys as examples of successful F2P conversions, but emphasized the considerable time and effort involved in such a shift.
Alternative Monetization Strategies: The Challenges of Ads
Mizobe also discussed exploring alternative methods to increase player engagement and revenue. Ad monetization was mentioned, but he quickly dismissed it as impractical for a PC game like Palworld, citing the negative player reaction to ads observed in similar titles on platforms like Steam.
Ultimately, Mizobe concluded that the direction Palworld takes will be carefully considered, weighing both business opportunities and player satisfaction. The game is currently in early access, recently releasing its significant Sakurajima update and introducing PvP arena combat. The future of Palworld remains uncertain, but the developers are actively exploring various options to ensure its continued success.
