Palworld's massive success highlights the need for the Pokémon franchise to elevate its games, especially considering the ongoing divisiveness among fans with each new generation. Read on to learn more about innovative features that Pokémon can take from Palworld.
How Pokémon Can Learn From Palworld
Palworld draws undeniable inspiration from Pokémon in its monster designs, catching, and battling aspects. Despite Pocketpair's CEO claiming otherwise, the gameplay similarities are clear as day. However, Palworld doesn't just mimic; it enhances and evolves the experience by incorporating elements from other games like ARK and Breath of the Wild.
Despite the consistent success of recent Pokémon games, they have constantly faced controversies with each new release, including game-breaking bugs and graphical issues. Us Pokéfans are desperate for innovations and improvements to evolve the Pokémon series to the next level. The declining quality in recent Pokémon releases is certainly a key factor contributing to Palworld's rapid rise in popularity within just a few weeks.
With Palworld’s obvious inspirations taken from Pokémon, it’s time for Pokémon to do the same. Let’s take a look at how they can learn, enhance, and adopt ideas from Palworld for their upcoming generation, infusing the classic Pokémon essence into the mix.
Palworld Can Help Restructure How Game Freak Operates
Before improving the game, we need to improve the people behind it. Ever since the switch to 3D, it’s become more and more apparent that the mainline Pokémon games have been slowly suffering in quality. We’d see small hiccups here and there and large ones that greatly affect the finished product. Can we forget the infamous tree in Pokémon Sword and Shield? Or the release of Scarlett and Violet? It’s become a point and a meme that fans can expect new game-breaking bugs every release until something can be done about this.
Several factors contribute to the challenges currently faced by Pokémon, with one significant issue being their demanding release schedule. Remember this is the same company that released Pokémon Arceus, and Scarlett/ Violet in the same year. In addition to its tight timeline, the company is relatively small which sets it apart from other gaming giants. This nightmare-ish schedule became apparent with Scarlett and Violet, initially plagued by bugs upon release. While many issues have been resolved post-launch, there are still the occasional bugs that persist, showing that this type of work structure is unsustainable.
But who can play them? As the saying goes, "If it ain’t broke don’t fix it." And Pokémon is far from broke. The games are raking in the cash with each entry selling millions of copies. What fans don’t truly understand is that the games have to be constantly pumped out because these games operate on an international level and are the lifeline of the Pokémon Company.
It's crucial to note that the mainline games, produced by the small company Game Freak under the Pokémon Company, play a vital role on the international stage. The Pokémon Company oversees brand management, production, publishing, marketing, and licensing of the Pokémon franchise, making the constant release of mainline games essential for its vitality.
Game Freak finds itself in a bind, compelled by the dual forces of corporate greed and corporate dependence. The Pokémon games' revenue flow leaves Game Freak with little room for change. The Pokémon Company, relying heavily on these mainline games, leverages their success to spawn plenty of products and brands from each new generation. Why else do we have so many Pikachu clones?
Consider this: if the games were to pause for an extended production period, it would disrupt and pause the entire Pokémon e-commerce system production such as—trading cards, anime, films, plushies, and a bunch of merchandise. The Pokémon COO, Takato Utsonomiya, explicitly confirms this in an interview with The Guardian, stating that these "video games are truly at the core of the brand – and that will continue."
Even with their sales, this system in place could eventually cause financial problems and legal problems with employees down the road. So with this in mind, how in the "freak" can Game Freak fix this "Poképroblem?" And how does Palworld play into all this? Let’s start with Pokémon.
Utsunomiya acknowledges that they have always operated on creating new products in a "fairly fixed kind of cadence." He emphasizes that the company is still working within this framework, however, he also adds that "there are more and more conversations, as the development environments change, about how we can continue to do this while making sure that we're ensuring quality products are also being introduced."
Although there is no definitive evidence of a schedule change, these discussions he mentions suggest that Pokémon is open to exploring ways to refine its current operational setup.
Shifting our focus to Palworld and its development by Pocketpair, Mizobe shared insights in his blog on Notes, a popular Japanese blogging site. He revealed a total budget of $6.75 million for the game. Originally, Palworld aimed for completion within a year, driven by Mizobe's initial hesitation to undertake a major title, stating that Pocketpair was "not suited to making large titles." However, plans evolved as development surpassed expectations, acknowledging the challenges of lack of manpower, money, and development time.
Amid development, Mizobe explained that budget wasn’t an issue because whenever the bank account balance hit zero, he would go borrow money again. Even in its early access phase, Palworld, developed by a team of just over 40 people, showcased a level of polish that surpassed the initial releases of Scarlett and Violet and Sword and Shield.
The key to Palworld's success lies in Mizobe's mindset that "it would be better to make it well and spend a lot of money on it." Recognizing the potential return on investment, Mizobe understood the importance of taking risks and making substantial investments in the game.
Because of this, Palworld sold over 7 million copies on Steam and claimed the top spot in player engagement. While it remains to be said how long this hype will last, adopting Mizobe's mindset could offer valuable insights and more money for the Pokémon Company.
I'm not proposing that Pokémon should fully emulate Mizobe's bold investment strategy in Palworld, and they certainly can't replicate the same flexible development schedule. However, given that the Pokémon Company stands as the highest-grossing media franchise, it's unsettling to witness a persistent pattern of new games being released in an unfinished and buggy state. While the precise budget for the games remains undisclosed, one can deduce it from the statements Game Freak has made in the past regarding their difficulty with Pokémon.
First of all, Game Freak is a company with around more than 150 employees, which is small compared to other developers, and this choice was on purpose as Game Freak In 2019, Game Freak's Junichi Masuda talked about his preference for his small teams, which he said was due to the importance of communication.
While the challenges Game Freak faces are understandable, the shortage of manpower proves to be a significant "Poképroblem." They have openly acknowledged the difficulty of developing for the Switch, the difficulty in incorporating all the Pokémon in future games, and the perpetual challenge of budget resources.
The ambition to create new games like "Pand Land" emphasizes the need for Game Freak to embrace the open-mindedness and commitment to improvement demonstrated by the Palworld CEO. Addressing this "Poképroblem" requires a concerted effort to expand their team and hire more talent, especially considering the tight release schedule and the increasing ambition they have for the newer Pokémon games.
To elevate the quality of its products within the current schedule, Pokémon needs to invest more in Game Freak, similar to what Palworld did. This requires increasing the budget and expanding manpower by creating more teams to work on different games. We can’t let another Arceus and Scarlet/Violet problem happen again. The Palworld CEO actively searched for individuals to hire, specifically looking for someone capable of creating in-game guns, a skill lacking in their team.
Remarkably, they found a 20-year-old with no work experience but exceptional talent in developing in-game weaponry. This proactive approach to hiring based on skill set, even from individuals without extensive experience, is a valuable lesson that Pokémon could learn from, particularly when seeking specialized expertise in game development.
Embracing the open-mindedness and proactive hiring approach demonstrated by the Palworld CEO is something Pokémon should adopt, especially in the realm of specialized Pokémon coding. Numerous creative individuals have crafted impressive fan-made games and Pokémon designs, showcasing a pool of untapped talent that Pokémon could evolve Pokémon to their final form.
Pokémon Should Be More Customizable
Now that we've set aside the corporate talk, let's dive into the real fun – gameplay. While Pokémon has traditionally been a kid-friendly monster-catching turn-based game, wouldn't it add an exciting twist if Pokémon could wield weapons, similar to Palworld? Picture a Pikachu armed with an AK-47 assault rifle, like the Pal Tanzee.
Of course, I'm just not limiting this to weapons; I'm also talking about customizable gear that your Pokémon can flaunt in-game. Take Palworld, for instance – the creatures in the game, known as Pals, can don special gear called Pal Gear. These items bestow unique properties and Partner Skills upon your captured Pals, ranging from saddles and weapons to other accessories. Each Pal Gear is crafted with a specific Pal in mind, although not every Pal has dedicated Gear at the moment. An example of this is creating a rocket launcher for a Pengullet to aid in AOE damage against enemy Pals, or using a saddle to ride a Univolt.
Introducing a similar mechanic in mainstream Pokémon games could be a fantastic idea. This concept isn't entirely alien to the Pokémon universe, as we've seen elements of customization and the use of unique items before. Consider Giratina's change in form with a Griseous Orb, or Zacian and Zamazenta wielding their Sword and Shield.
Moreover, some Pokémon inherently carry weapons in their DNA, like Blastoise for example. Going beyond this customization idea, the Sinnoh games featured Pokéball Seals, enabling players to add aesthetics like stickers or special effects when throwing Pokéballs in battle. Sinnoh also introduced the Super Contest, allowing players to dress their Pokémon in fashionable attire. And let's not forget the ability to change your character's appearance and wardrobe in recent Pokémon games.
The concept of Pokémon customization has been explored but not fully realized, often appearing as a fleeting and less impactful gimmick. In contrast, Pal Gears play a vital role in Palworld, serving as essential tools for traversal, battling, and engaging in other entertaining activities like gathering items and materials. Pal Gears are more than accessories; they are necessities that add depth to the player's experience.
Taking inspiration from Pal Gears, Pokémon can incorporate customization as a central feature in the next generation. These could be items crafted by players, introducing an exciting element that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game. Imagine the thrill of riding various Pokémon simply by equipping a saddle item. This concept has the potential to elevate the Pokémon-Trainer dynamic, making battles more diverse and the in-game world more engaging.
To improve the concept of Pal Gears, Pokémon can introduce their unique twists. Imagine incorporating aesthetics into this idea, not just for functionality but also for altering the Pokémon's appearance. Picture gears that change the color of a Pokémon, provide them with diverse wardrobes, add distinctive features like moles or eccentric eyebrows, or even modify their hairstyles.
This notion was touched upon in Pokémon X and Y with Furfrou, where a salon allowed players to give the Pokémon a makeover. Expanding on this, every Pokémon could become customizable. Allowing players to craft their Pokémon's aesthetic would deepen the bond between trainers and their Pokémon, adding more joy to battles or just leisurely strolls around the region.
Just as seen in Palworld, Pokémon could introduce a saddle item, allowing trainers to mount and explore the surroundings on their Pokémon. Unlike Palworld, where only a few Pals had this capability, Pokémon could enhance the experience by making a wide variety of Pokémon rideable. Imagine the joy of exploration as you ride alongside your favorite Pokémon.
In Palworld, certain Pal Gears, like the Digtoise headband, empower Digtoise to break tougher rocks, clearing the path during exploration and providing valuable materials. If Pokémon were to embrace a comparable strategy, it could break free from the restriction of specific traversal Pokémon, introduce diverse methods for item discovery, and enhance the overall intuitive feel of exploration.
Similar to the mechanics mentioned earlier, I envision Pal Gears being incorporated into battles with a dedicated button, usable only once per Pokémon. Unlike those previously mentioned features, these gears offer diverse benefits, such as dealing increased damage or triggering unique abilities, like conjuring a barrel of potions to heal the team. This would add another layer to Pokémon battles and if implemented correctly, could be a staple in the franchise.
The amusing image of Pikachu unveiling an assault rifle after pressing the button adds a touch of hilarity to the endless possibilities these gears could bring to battles.
Pokémon Feeling More Realistic.
In Palworld, Pals serve not only in battles but also assist in daily tasks like building, gathering equipment, and exploration. Some even engage in manual labor or are butchered for resources. While Pokémon occasionally step outside the battle context, such as feeding or taking a stroll, there's room for improvement. Game Freak has grappled with making Pokémon feel like vibrant creatures interacting with the world. Despite efforts, realism shines most in the game Pokémon Arceus, where enemy Pokémon can surprise attack trainers or have them throw out their Pokémon to gather materials for you, creating a more alive and immersive environment.
The innovative concepts introduced in Arceus could be elevated using the blueprints from Palworld. Imagine a command menu offering various prompts for different Pokémon elements. Fire Pokémon could assist in cooking with a burst of ember, water Pokémon could provide a refreshing shower with a water gun, and grass Pokémon could help create a makeshift bed. The possibilities for immersive interactions could extend across various Pokémon types.
Exploring the notion of extracting materials from Pokémon (without the butchering aspect) found in Palworld opens up new possibilities. The idea of Pokémon being valuable beyond battles extends not only to the trainer but also to the outside world.
In Palworld, when night falls and visibility is limited, users can bring out the Pal Foxpark. This Pal, engulfed in fire, automatically illuminates the surroundings. The concept of Pals being useful in specific scenarios due to their inherent traits is fascinating and could be implemented in Pokémon. Imagine using Charmander’s tail as a makeshift flashlight in dark caves; these nuanced details can significantly enhance the sense of Pokémon vitality.
Crafting Should Return
Crafting, a mechanic initially introduced in Legends Arceus, added a delightful layer to exploration. Its return to the series would be a welcome addition, especially considering the fun it brought to the process of gathering materials. Taking inspiration from Palworld, where crafting is versatile and extends beyond consumables, Pokémon can enhance their crafting system.
Legends Arceus limited crafting to food, battle items, and Poké Balls. However, if Pokémon continues to embrace the open-world genre, crafting could become a crucial element of exploration. Drawing inspiration from Palworld, Pokémon could expand crafting options to include weapons, beds, rooms, houses, farms, and even bases, albeit on a smaller scale. Imagine crafting tents for remote rest stops, creating clothes suited during harsh weather, constructing ladders to access unreachable spots, forging keys for locked doors, or mending broken Poké Balls discovered in the wild.
There's immense potential for Pokémon to elevate its gameplay by incorporating these crafting concepts from Palworld.
Breeding and Egg Hatching
The Pokémon breeding and egg-hatching mechanics have always felt outdated to me, and it's disheartening that Game Freak has made them even more tedious in recent games. Previously, you could simply hand over compatible male and female Pokémon to a Pokémon Breeding Farm and wait for real-time hours. However, in Scarlet and Violet, this process is confined to Picnic mode, forcing players to endure real-time waiting without the option to exit.
Breeding in Pokémon involves unnecessary complexities, such as specific Ditto requirements or items like the Destiny Knot. Egg hatching adds another layer of annoyance and waiting. Palworld offers a refreshing alternative. In Palworld, setting up a breeding farm, placing a male and female Pal, and adding cake is all you need. Compatibility isn't a concern, and the process can yield entirely new species of Pals(unlike Pokémon where the species of the egg can only be the mother’s species). Egg hatching is efficient too, with a simple incubator center that streamlines the process.
Pokémon could take a page from Palworld's book to modernize its mechanics. For instance, introducing an egg incubator item or a dedicated incubator building, where trainers can leave eggs and enhance hatching with additional items, would simplify the process. Allowing trainers to craft breeding farms for faster breeding could also be a welcomed enhancement. These changes would represent a step towards Pokémon modernizing its mechanics.
Palworld’s Success Can Mean a Bright Future for Pokémon
Pokémon holds a special place in our hearts, and the current dissatisfaction with recent games stems from a desire to see the franchise reach its full potential. While Palworld sets an example with its innovations, Pokémon excels more in certain aspects. One standout feature is the memorable and original designs of Pokémon, a result of their excellent market-oriented design concept.
This might be a hot take, but I prefer the open-world design of Scarlet and Violet. The vibrant and distinct settings in the Paldea region captivate me. Each region boasts unique themes and inspirations, and the Spanish influences in Paldea give it a personality that, in my view, surpasses the more generic world of Palworld. It's my opinion, but diversity and distinctiveness matter and Pokémon has its strengths in this regard.
While acknowledging Pokémon's positive aspects, it's crucial to recognize that these merits don't excuse the existing flaws. If these issues persist into the next game, they could significantly impact the brand and, more importantly, the fan base. The improvements discussed in this article serve as temporary fixes to broader problems, particularly their rigid release schedule.
Addressing this schedule is a complex task, involving considerations related to sales, marketing, and even Japan's work culture especially. What Pokémon truly needs at this juncture is a pause in game production—a moment to step back, reflect, and strategize for the future of the company. It's a call for a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to ensure sustained success and satisfaction for both the Pokémon franchise and its dedicated fanbase.
With a treasure trove of spin-offs and various merchandise in their backlog, Pokémon has the means to sustain their business during a hiatus. Beyond financial stability, an extended break could serve as a strategic move, building anticipation and fueling marketing efforts. Picture the excitement generated by a highly anticipated comeback to the Pokémon series after a prolonged absence.
It's not just a pause; it's a chance to reignite fervor and reinvent the Pokémon experience for fans eagerly awaiting their favorite franchise's return. Rest assured, Nintendo, as their steadfast partner, is likely to support such a decision, especially considering the track record of other Nintendo games facing delays. The synergy between Pokémon and Nintendo provides a strong foundation for strategic choices that prioritize quality over rushed releases.
Regardless of the path they choose, it's imperative for Pokémon to delve into the realms of their primary business rival, Palworld. Exploring the shared elements and learning from Palworld's success could be a catalyst for Pokémon to elevate their game and embrace evolution in their upcoming generations. This analysis has shed light on key aspects that can serve as a driving force for Pokémon's future endeavors.
Palworld is still taking the world by storm despite only being in its early access stage. If you're curious about when the game might release its full version, read the article below to learn about our best estimations regarding Palworld's release.
Source:
Palworld Notes Blog
Palworld Official Website
Palworld Official Website
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