- Pocketpair has made modifications to Palworld following Nintendo's lawsuit over similarities to Pokémon.
- The summoning spheres and gliding mechanic with Pals have been removed, which were necessary to avoid legal issues.
- Updates v0.3.11 and v0.5.5 introduce these changes and significantly affect gameplay.
- The studio expresses its disappointment but remains committed to its players and the development of the title.
The phenomenon Pal world It has been seen forced to adapt to new circumstances Following the lawsuit filed by Nintendo and The Pokémon CompanySince the lawsuit was announced, the Pocketpair team has had to modify several of the game's mechanics to avoid further legal issues and continue development without setbacks.
Nintendo filed this lawsuit alleging that Palworld infringed registered patents relating to the mechanics of capturing and interacting with creatures, which has led to a series of major changes to the gameplay design from the Japanese title. The community and the developers themselves have expressed mixed feelings regarding these changes that affect the core of the experience.
The spheres to summon creatures are too similar to Pokéballs
One of the most characteristic elements of Palworld It was the possibility of summoning the Pals by throwing spheres, a feature that many players clearly associated with the Pokémon universe. However, after legal pressure from Nintendo, Pocketpair studio removed this mechanic with patch v0.3.11 released in late November 2024. Since then, when selecting a Pal, it automatically appears next to the player, leaving behind the ball throwing animation which was so reminiscent of the Nintendo classic.
This decision It was taken after an exhaustive analysis and recognition of the impact it would have on the original experience. Pocketpair has expressed disappointment at having to remove this feature., although the decision was necessary to avoid further legal repercussions and ensure the continuity of the game.
Gliding: From Creature to Tool
The second major modification came with the Patch v0.5.5, released in May 2025Previously, players could glide through the stage using their Pals as aerial mounts, which was another direct similarity to some of the mechanics seen in Pokémon. After the update, This feature is removed: Players must now equip a glider in their inventory to move through the air.. Pals continue to provide passive gliding boosts, but the primary function is now dependent on an item rather than creatures.
The studio has clarified that it understands that these measures are not popular, but emphasizes that are necessary to ensure the stability and future of the gameDemand has forced us to take this course, and further adaptations are not ruled out in the future if the legal situation so requires.
A divided community and a studio under pressure
Pocketpair's official statement on its social networks has generated a wide debate among playersMany fans mourn the loss of iconic mechanics, while others understand the legal difficulties and support the studio's efforts to move forward. Pocketpair has also noted that considers that the patents claimed by Nintendo are invalid, since there are precedents in other titles and genres.
Furthermore, The team has apologized for the inconvenience and uncertainty caused, and appreciates the support received from the beginning. They assure us that they will continue working on the development of Palworld and will continue adding content to the extent permitted by law.
The future of Palworld and the disputed development
While the judicial process continues, Pocketpair does not rule out making new modifications Depending on the legal situation, the developers remain committed to the game and are considering exploring other platforms in the future. While the resolution is still unclear and financial penalties are pending, the developers are committed to the game and are considering exploring other platforms in the future.
Over the past few months, the Palworld universe has undergone significant changes. The decisions made by the company will mark a before and after in the gaming experience, but they seem essential to maintain the viability of the project and its international expansion.
It is essential to closely follow the developer's next moves and the community's reactions to these new circumstances, in a title that, Despite the difficulties, it seeks to maintain its presence and continuity in the market.
I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.
If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.