Palworld Live Service Model May Be PocketPair's Best Option

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 decisions are finalized, Mizobe acknowledged the ongoing consideration of two paths.

Live Service or Standalone? A Business and Player Perspective

Mizobe confirmed continued updates, including a new map, Pals, and raid bosses. However, the long-term strategy hinges on a crucial choice: continue as a buy-to-play (B2P) title or shift to a live service model (LiveOps). He openly stated that a live service approach offers significant business advantages, extending the game's lifespan and revenue potential. The challenge, however, lies in the fact that Palworld wasn't originally designed for this model, making the transition complex.

Crucially, Mizobe emphasized the importance of player preference. He highlighted the typical path of free-to-play (F2P) games transitioning to live service with paid content like skins and battle passes. Palworld's B2P structure presents a significant hurdle, as successful F2P-to-LiveOps transitions, like those seen with PUBG and Fall Guys, took years.

Monetization Strategies: The Challenges of Ads and Player Expectations

The discussion extended to alternative monetization strategies. Mizobe mentioned exploring options, including ad monetization, but quickly dismissed it as impractical for a PC game like Palworld. He cited the negative player reaction to ads in PC games, particularly on platforms like Steam, suggesting that such a move would likely alienate the existing player base.

Currently, Pocketpair is focused on attracting new players while retaining existing ones. The future direction of Palworld remains under careful consideration, with the recent Sakurajima update and the introduction of PvP arena mode marking significant steps in its early access journey. The decision regarding a live service model will ultimately depend on a careful evaluation of both business viability and player feedback.