Pocketpair’s communications director might not be thrilled with Palworld being labeled as “Pokemon with guns,” but there’s no denying that this catchy phrase has significantly boosted the game’s visibility. This descriptor continues to shadow the game, yet the team invites players to explore beyond this simple categorization.
Although Palworld draws frequent comparisons to Pokemon because of its creature designs and taming mechanics, the influence of ARK is where its true roots lie. The developers were eager to create a unique twist in the creature-collecting genre, focusing on being visually distinct with character-rich creatures.
Palworld’s release in 2024 captivated the gaming community, amassing over 32 million players across platforms by February 2025. Players engage in battles, capturing and employing “Pals” in various activities such as base building, combat, and exploration. It is the presence of firearms, wielded by both Pals and players, that sparked the community to nickname it “Pokemon with guns.” This characterization amused many players but left the creators wanting to prove there’s more to the game.
At the Game Developers Conference in March 2025, John Buckley, Pocketpair’s communications director and publishing manager, expressed both gratitude and frustration over Palworld’s tag. While the game’s initial 2021 reveal led to a warm reception, its quick association with Pokemon has been a challenging label to shake. “We’ve worked hard to move past it,” Buckley mentioned, adding that the team isn’t particularly fond of being pegged solely by this moniker.
Despite the ongoing struggle with this label, Buckley acknowledged its role in boosting Palworld’s popularity. He expressed no issue with fans calling it “Pokemon with guns” but hopes players see it as more when they actually play. The invitation is open for players to jump in on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, and there’s buzz about a possible release on the rumored Switch 2.
Buckley shared with IGN that Pocketpair found inspiration not from Pokemon, but ARK. The team admired ARK’s focus on dinosaurs and sought to push boundaries by giving Palworld’s creatures more personality and unique traits. Nonetheless, despite its distinct elements, the initial trailer set off a wave of comparisons that continue to this day.
In the end, while the “Pokemon with guns” tag has helped elevate Palworld, Buckley and his team hope that players will dive deeper and discover all that the game has to offer. With its blend of creature companionship, combat, and survival tasks, Palworld seeks to carve its own niche in the gaming landscape.
