Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, is branching out into publishing with its new venture, Pocketpair Publishing. Their first project will be a new horror game from Surgent Studios, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This upcoming title will be a standalone project, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe, though Surgent Studios remains open to future projects within that setting.
Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim, also known for his acting roles (including Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins), described the new game as "short and weird," reflecting both studios' willingness to embrace innovative and unconventional game design. While details remain scarce—no title or release date has been announced—the collaboration signifies a significant step forward for Surgent Studios, which recently faced layoffs and funding challenges.
Pocketpair Publishing's commitment extends beyond this initial partnership. They are actively seeking pitches from other developers, emphasizing a collaborative approach that prioritizes creative freedom and developer autonomy. John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted the company's dedication to supporting creators and fostering a positive development environment.
The partnership is mutually beneficial. For Surgent Studios, it provides crucial support to overcome recent financial difficulties. For Pocketpair, it marks a strategic expansion into publishing, aligning with their passion for games and a desire to contribute to the industry's growth. Salim expressed his enthusiasm for this collaborative spirit, hoping to see it become a driving force within the gaming industry.
This new venture comes as Pocketpair continues to navigate a patent infringement lawsuit from The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, a legal battle that arose following Palworld's impressive sales figures. Despite this ongoing legal challenge, Pocketpair's foray into publishing underscores their ambition and commitment to the gaming world.
