The game Palworld has taken the gaming world by storm, with players either loving it or hating it. While the gameplay itself is different from Pokémon, many have noticed striking similarities in the designs of the creatures.
The Case of Palworld's Suspicious Designs
An anonymous Twitter user recently compared the models of Palworld creatures with those of Pokémon, revealing eerily similar proportions and scale. While this doesn't confirm plagiarism, it certainly raises concerns about the originality of Palworld's designs.
Pokémon Legal Officer Speaks Out
Former Chief Legal Officer of The Pokémon Company, Don McGowan, has commented on the controversy surrounding Palworld. McGowan, who led Pokémon's legal team for 12 years, stated that the game appears to be a typical ripoff that he encountered frequently during his tenure.
A Trend of Pokémon Clones
There are thousands of Pokémon clones available, often promoted on YouTube and downloadable from app stores. These games not only copy Pokémon's designs but also use similar names. However, none of these clones have gained the same level of popularity as Palworld.
Palworld's Success and Denial
Despite the controversy, Palworld has become one of the most popular games on Steam, with over 1.5 million concurrent players. The company's representative, Takuro Mizobe, has denied any wrongdoing. Additionally, the artists involved have faced harassment and threats due to the controversy.
No Lawsuit from Pokémon Company
The Pokémon Company has not commented on Palworld, and there are no indications of any legal action against the company. It remains to be seen how the controversy will affect the game's future.
For more information about Palworld, check out our in-depth review.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
