Pocketpair’s communications director has openly shared his mixed feelings about the phrase “Pokemon with guns” often used to describe Palworld, acknowledging its role in the game’s rising fame. Although Pocketpair prefers to distance itself from direct comparisons to Pokemon, the term has undeniably sparked curiosity and debate. Interestingly, the true inspiration behind Palworld is not Pokemon, but rather ARK, as the developers wanted to create a game with creatures that are not only more unique but rich in personality. The team encourages gamers to dive into Palworld and experience its distinctive features, leaving preconceived notions behind.
When Palworld hit the shelves in 2024, it quickly captured the attention of over 32 million gamers by early 2025. Players are drawn into a world where they capture, battle, and employ “Pals” for various tasks, including combat and exploration. This, combined with the game’s use of firearms by both players and Pals, significantly differentiates Palworld from the Pokemon series, despite the similarities in creature design and some game mechanics. Such features have caused the community to often label it as “Pokemon with guns,” despite Pocketpair’s hesitations.
During the March 2025 Game Developers Conference, as covered by IGN, John Buckley, Pocketpair’s communications director and publishing manager, addressed this popular description. Buckley noted that while the game was warmly received when it was first unveiled in June 2021, it garnered the “Pokemon with guns” tag almost instantly. Despite their best efforts to shake this label, it persists, much to the team’s dismay.
In revealing Palworld’s true roots, Buckley mentioned that the development team drew inspiration from ARK, particularly its focus on dinosaurs. Pocketpair aimed to offer something more by creating creatures with enhanced personality and abilities, setting Palworld apart. Despite the initial aim, the game was quickly pigeonholed after its first trailer, resulting in its catchy—but somewhat misleading—moniker.
Although the label continues to be a point of contention, Buckley admits that it helped Palworld gain significant notoriety and appeal. He remains unbothered by fans using the term, but clarifies they only dislike when the game is dismissed as being nothing more than its tagline suggests. Buckley invites players to explore Palworld’s distinct experiences beyond just the surface level. Available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, and potentially coming to the future Switch 2, Palworld offers an enriching experience well worth exploring.
