Nintendo and The Pokemon Company have filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developers of Palworld, for patent infringement. Instead of copyright infringement (which protects original works), Nintendo is targeting patent infringement, focusing on game mechanics, possibly inspired by mechanics in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
This lawsuit, stems from the belief that Pocketpair’s game shares significant similarities with Pokémon, particularly in its creature designs and game mechanics, which many fans and analysts have described as “Pokémon with guns.” Although Palworld incorporates distinctive elements like combat and survival mechanics, the core gameplay involving capturing creatures (known as “Pals”) bears striking resemblance to Nintendo’s iconic monster-catching series
Pocket Pair, a small indie company, acknowledges the lawsuit and expresses their intent to investigate the claims. They also emphasise their commitment to their game development despite the legal distraction. The roots of the controversy date back to Palworld’s first trailer in 2021, where many gamers immediately pointed out the resemblance to Pokémon. Despite concerns that the game might never be released due to potential legal issues, Palworld launched in early 2024 to commercial success, drawing millions of players on platforms like Xbox and PC. The game’s immense popularity likely caught the attention of Nintendo, prompting the legal response.
The lawsuit may be aimed at claiming multiple patents to ensure some compensation or damages, even if not all claims are successful, as Nintendo seeks to protect its intellectual property. This case has stirred up debate within the gaming community. Some believe that Pocketpair crossed the line with creature designs and mechanics too close to those patented by Nintendo, while others argue that Palworld’s unique twist on the creature-collection genre should be protected as a distinct creative endeavor. As of now, it remains to be seen how the lawsuit will progress and what consequences it might have for Pocketpair’s future projects.
