Palworld developer Pocketpair is finalizing its highly anticipated cross-play update, slated for release in late March 2025. A recent X/Twitter post confirmed this update will introduce cross-platform multiplayer functionality, allowing players across all platforms to team up. It will also add a crucial world transfer feature for Pals. While specifics remain limited beyond a promotional image depicting Palworld characters battling a colossal Pal, Pocketpair's Communications Director and Publishing Manager, John 'Bucky' Buckley, hinted at "a few little surprises" included in the March update.
This news is particularly exciting for the 32 million players who have embraced Palworld since its early access launch in January 2024. Pocketpair has unveiled an ambitious content roadmap for 2025, including the cross-play update, a concluding "ending scenario," and additional content for this immensely popular creature-catching survival game.
Palworld's initial launch on Steam, priced at $30, and its simultaneous arrival on Xbox and PC Game Pass a year ago, shattered sales and concurrent player records. Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe revealed that the game's overwhelming success initially presented challenges in managing the substantial profits generated. Despite this, Pocketpair quickly capitalized on Palworld's breakout success by forming a new business entity, Palworld Entertainment, in partnership with Sony. This venture aims to expand the Palworld IP and bring the game to the PlayStation 5.
Currently, Palworld faces a lawsuit from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, alleging infringement of "multiple" patent rights and seeking an injunction and damages. Pocketpair has responded by identifying the patents in question and modifying the Pal summoning mechanic within the game. The developer remains resolute in its defense, stating its intention to "continue to assert our position in this case through future legal proceedings."
