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Pocketpair, the company behind last year’s viral game palworld, has a new venture: publishing indie games. Its first project, scheduled for release later this year, will be an as-yet-untitled horror game from Surgent Studios, the company behind 2024. Tales of Kenzera: Zau.
PalworldjokinglyPokemon with weapons,” was a huge success, attracting more than 25 million players last year the first few months. The company’s foray into publishing comes at a moment’s notice turbulent time for video games, especially small studios; last year, Between us developer Innersloth announced itself go to publishing helping projects move forward. A pocket pair Palworld success, it seems, allows you to do the same.
“As the gaming industry continues to grow, more and more games are struggling to get funded or greenlit,” said John Buckley, head of Pocketpair Publishing, in a press release announcing the new division. “We think it’s a real shame because there are so many incredible creators and ideas out there that need a little help to turn into incredible games.”
It’s no surprise that Pocketpair is working with Surgent Studios he was having trouble finding financing after its release Broad. The developer took a break from his team last year as he looked for a partner for the next one Kenzera currently known as the game Project Uso.
Surgent’s agreement with Pocketpair is separate use itfounder Abubakar Salim tells WIRED. Unlike Afrofuturism Broadit will be a horror title meant to introduce players to something new. “We’re taking a little detour from here Tales of Kenzera the universe,” says Salim.
Salim adds that the horror genre is “a fascinating space that taps into primal emotions, immersing the audience in a reality that takes them away from themselves, but strikes something deep and dark inside all of us.” Pocketpair and Surgent gave few details about the game in Thursday’s announcement, other than describing it as “short and quirky.”
“The world is very raw right now, and it’s only natural to create an experience that reflects and feeds off that intensity,” Salim said.
Pocketpair Publishing has not announced any other upcoming projects. The company has been embroiled in Nintendo’s legal drama since last year sued claims in Tokyo Palworld has violated copyright. Nintendo did not respond to a request for comment. When asked if the lawsuit worries Surgent, Salim says the studio is not. “We are very excited to be working with their new publishing arm to bring this game to life,” he says.
