Palworld’s Creator Draws a Line in the Sand on AI
In one of the most unexpected headlines of the year, Pocketpair-the developer behind the global phenomenon Palworld-has taken a firm and public stance against generative AI. The studio, which launched its own publishing division earlier this year, has announced that it will not be publishing any games that use generative AI, Web3, or NFTs. Given the firestorm of controversy that surrounded Palworld‘s launch, with widespread accusations that the game itself used AI to create its ‘Pals,’ this new policy is dripping with irony.
In a recent interview, Pocketpair’s communications and publishing manager, John Buckley, laid out the new rule in no uncertain terms. “People are going to say I’m lying, but these are just the hard facts,” Buckley stated. “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.”
A Surprising Stance from a Controversial Studio
The irony of this announcement is impossible to ignore. When Palworld exploded in popularity, Pocketpair was immediately put under the microscope. Players and critics pointed to the striking similarities between its creatures and Pokémon, leading to intense speculation that generative AI was used in the design process. The studio’s CEO, Takuro Mizobe, also had a history of pro-AI statements on social media and had even developed a game called AI: Art Impostor, which is centered entirely around AI image generation. The company repeatedly denied using generative AI for Palworld, but for many, the damage was done and the accusations stuck.
Now, the very same studio is planting its flag firmly in the anti-AI camp for its publishing efforts. It’s a bold move that some see as a genuine philosophical stance, while skeptics view it as a calculated PR move to distance the company from its controversial past. Regardless of the motive, it’s a significant statement from one of the industry’s most talked-about developers.
The Coming Flood of “Low-Quality, AI-Made Games”
Buckley’s reasoning goes beyond just a simple belief system. He predicts a difficult future for the gaming landscape, warning of an impending wave of low-effort, AI-generated content flooding digital storefronts. “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,” he said.
He believes this will lead to an “authenticity market,” where players become hyper-vigilant, trying to determine which games are human-made and which are not. This, he fears, will lead to more false accusations against legitimate developers-a situation Pocketpair knows all too well. “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,” Buckley explained, highlighting the difficult position the studio has been in.
What This Means for Indie Publishing
Pocketpair’s decision sends a strong message to the indie development community. After being swamped with over 1,500 pitches in a single week for its new publishing arm, the company is using its newfound influence to champion human creativity. The publisher’s website promises to “respect the autonomy and vision of developers” and simply provide money and support. By explicitly excluding AI-driven projects, they are defining their vision for the future of games they want to support-one centered on human artistry.
This move sets a major precedent. As one of the biggest new players in the publishing space, Pocketpair’s policy will influence the conversation around AI in game development and could encourage other publishers to take a similar stand.
Conclusion
Pocketpair’s hard-line stance against generative AI is a fascinating and complex development. It’s a story of a company, born from a cloud of AI controversy, now positioning itself as a guardian of human-made art. Whether you see it as a sincere conviction or a clever pivot, one thing is clear: the creators of Palworld have just made the debate over AI in gaming a whole lot more interesting.
FAQs
What is Pocketpair’s new policy regarding AI?
Pocketpair’s new publishing division has announced that it will not fund or publish any games that use generative AI. This policy also extends to games that incorporate Web3 or NFTs.
Why is this considered ironic?
The studio’s biggest hit, Palworld, was at the center of a major controversy where it was widely accused of using generative AI to create its creature designs. The company’s CEO also has a public history of supporting and experimenting with AI image generation.
Did Pocketpair admit to using AI for Palworld?
No, Pocketpair has consistently denied using generative AI for the art and models in Palworld, despite the persistent accusations.
What did Pocketpair’s spokesperson say about the future of AI in games?
John Buckley, a manager at Pocketpair, predicted that Steam and other platforms will soon be flooded with “really low-quality, AI-made games,” which will force players to seek out “authentic” human-made experiences and likely lead to more false accusations against developers.
What is Pocketpair Publishing?
Following the massive success of Palworld, Pocketpair launched its own publishing division in early 2025 to fund and support other indie game developers. Its first funded projects include Truckful, Dead Take, and Normal Fishing.
What are Web3 and NFTs?
Web3 is a concept for a new version of the internet based on blockchain technology, often associated with cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are unique digital assets on a blockchain, which have been controversially used in some games for items and collectibles.