Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have taken legal action against the developer of the popular game Palworld, alleging patent infringement. Palworld, which gained attention for being dubbed “Pokémon with guns,” has quickly amassed a large player base since its release earlier this year.
The Pokémon Company stated that Palworld infringes on multiple patent rights and is seeking an injunction against infringement and compensation for damages. Despite Pocketpair Inc, the developer of Palworld, claiming that the game had passed legal checks, Nintendo is known for fiercely protecting its intellectual property.
Palworld allows players, known as “pal-tamers,” to collect and battle creatures while also building bases and crafting supplies. The game’s success has led to more than 25 million players within a month of its release.
The legal battle between the companies reflects the importance of the Pokémon franchise to Nintendo, as the series of games are closely tied to the gaming giant’s console business. This lawsuit is just the latest in a series of legal actions taken by Nintendo to protect its intellectual property.
Pocketpair Inc expressed regret over the lawsuit, stating that it is unfortunate as a smaller, independent game developer to have to allocate time and resources to legal matters instead of focusing on their game. However, they remain committed to their fans and ensuring that indie game developers can continue to pursue their creative ideas without hindrance.
