If you think of Palworld, the immediate association for many might be “Pokémon with guns.” This comparison surged in popularity when the game first gained traction online, serving as a quick way for people to grasp what the game was about. It wasn’t just IGN that adopted this shorthand; it became a universal descriptor. Convenient and catchy, it helped draw attention to the game.
However, according to John 'Bucky' Buckley, the communications director at Pocketpair, this nickname wasn’t part of the original vision. Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, Buckley noted that while the developers are fans of Pokémon, their inspiration came more from games like ARK: Survival Evolved. They aimed to create something similar but with deeper automation and unique personalities for each creature.
Buckley admitted that the “Pokémon with guns” label played a role in Palworld’s success. “It was big,” he said, acknowledging the marketing advantage. Yet, he expressed frustration with those who cling to this description without giving the game a proper chance.
Despite the label, Buckley doesn’t see Pokémon as a direct competitor. Instead, he draws parallels to ARK, emphasizing that Palworld stands apart. He also downplays competitive dynamics within the gaming industry, suggesting that the perceived rivalry between games is often exaggerated for marketing purposes.
When asked about an ideal tagline, Buckley joked about something along the lines of “Palworld: It’s kind of like ARK if ARK met Factorio and Happy Tree Friends.” While it may not roll off the tongue easily, it captures the blend of influences that shaped the game.
In our interview, Buckley also touched on the potential for Palworld to reach the Nintendo Switch 2 and the future of Pocketpair. For the full conversation, you can read more [here].
