Pokémon-like game sparks controversy amid IP infringement claims

Pokémon to address any acts that infringe IP rights | Screencap from IGN/YouTube

There’s an adorable video game featuring creatures that look like Pokémons, became an overnight sensation, and sold over eight million copies in less than a week.

However, the game, which many have noted bears striking similarities to “Pokémon With Guns,” has now become the center of a brewing controversy.

On Jan. 25, The Pokémon Company released an official statement, announcing its proactive stance against potential intellectual property (IP) infringements. 

Without explicitly naming any specific title, the company addressed the surge of inquiries regarding another game’s release in January 2024. The statement underscored the commitment to investigate thoroughly and take appropriate measures against any acts of IP infringement, asserting, “We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game.”

ポケットペアという会社が、どういう経緯を経てパルワールドを開発したのか書いてみました！
3日後の発売を前にして震えてます。

死ぬほど長文になりましたが、面白かったらいいね・RTお願いします！！

3日後に命運が決まる、パルワールドという偶然の物語https://t.co/d2SuNqGrPF

— Takuro Mizobe | Palworld (@urokuta_ja) January 16, 2024

The statement emphasized the company’s intention to thoroughly investigate and undertake suitable measures in response to any actions that may potentially violate intellectual property rights associated with Pokémon. 

Speculation within the gaming community points towards Pocketpair’s Palworld. Adding fuel to the controversy, Kotaku reported on a mod showcased by YouTuber ToastedShoes, replacing Palworld’s creatures with Pokémon, further intensifying the scrutiny.

In response to the allegations, Palworld, as reported by Yahoo News, firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating that the game had successfully passed legal checks before its release. 

Before the released statement, Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe took to X, formerly Twitter, on Jan. 22 to address the controversy. “I have received a variety of opinions regarding Palworld, but all productions related to Palworld are supervised by multiple people, including myself, and I am responsible for the production.” 

現在、弊社のアーティストに対して誹謗中傷が届いており、殺害予告に近いようなツイートも散見されます。

パルワールドに関して様々な意見を頂いておりますが、パルワールドに関する制作物の監修は全て私を含めた複数人で行っており、制作物の責任は私にあります。…

— Takuro Mizobe | Palworld (@urokuta_ja) January 22, 2024

He urged people to refrain from slander against the artists involved in Palworld.

The gaming community now awaits further developments and anticipates renewed discussions and alleged controversies surrounding the game’s development in light of these recent events.