Palworld developer Pocketpair will not be publishing games that utilize generative AI. Read on to learn more about the company’s stance on AI usage in games and what this means for the industry in the coming years.
Pocketpair Won’t Publish Games With Generative AI
Takes a Pass on Games With AI, Web3, or NFTs
Palworld developer Pocketpair will not publish titles that utilize AI, Web3, or NFTs. During the Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2025, Game Developer spoke with Pocketpair Communications Director and Publishing Manager John Buckley about their take on games with generative AI and those of similar backgrounds.
Early this year, Pocketpair established its own publishing division, aiming to assist indie developers and studios in launching their games. Its official description on its website reads, "We don’t want to tell you what to do. We don’t want to take control from you. We don’t want to change your dream or push you to make a certain type of game. We want to give you money, and we want to help you make a fun game."
So far, featured funded projects by Pocketpair Publishing include Truckful by MythicOwl, Dead Take by Surgent Studios, and Normal Fishing by The Bworg, all being developed for PC on Steam.
However, there is one thing that Pocketpair will not support: the use of generative AI in developing games. Buckley reiterated that the company "doesn’t believe" in utilizing the said technology, especially considering that Palworld has been accused of using it.
He stated, "People are going to say I'm lying, but these are just the hard facts. We don't believe in it. We're very upfront about it. If you're big on AI stuff or your game is Web3 or uses NFTs, there are lots of publishers out there [who'll talk to you], but we're not the right partner for that."
Existing Titles with AI Content and Its Effects In The Near Future
Despite Pocketpair’s stance on preventing AI-generated games, Buckley noted that the industry is already riddled with such titles. He stated, "I think over the next two or three years we're going to get into this weird era—and you can see it slowly happening now on Steam—of really low quality, AI-made games."
According to Buckley, this will lead to the community being very critical of how games are made, which will be tough for Pocketpair, as they have been constantly falsely accused of integrating AI in their games.
He admits that it is difficult for them to overcome these allegations, as the public has already branded them as such. Regardless, the company remains adamant in its stance against AI and will simply ignore people’s accusations.
Buckley explained, "You know, I can't just come out and start fighting with these people [who make the AI accusations] because that just fuels what's going on." He did mention that he understands where people are coming from, especially with the prevalence of such technology on different platforms.
Unfortunately, this type of mindset also puts companies like Pocketpair in a difficult situation, as it may be tough for them to overcome the false public perception of them using AI. Although this is the case, they will continue to develop and publish games, and are currently engaged with the release of Palworld version 1.0, as well as the development of the Palworld spinoff, Palfarm.
Palworld is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. To know more about its gameplay and story, check out our article below!
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'We don't believe in it:' Palworld maker Pocketpair won't publish games that use generative AI
Pocketpair Publishing Official Website
