In a bold move to kickstart 2025, Pocketpair, the developer behind the much-anticipated game Palworld, has launched its own publishing division. The announcement was met with an overwhelming response, as the company received over 150 pitches for publishing deals within just the first week. John Buckley, the head of Pocketpair Publishing, emphasized the division’s commitment to honoring the creative autonomy of developers, stating that the goal is to collaborate in crafting exceptional games for a global audience.
Firm Stance Against Generative AI
However, amidst the excitement, Buckley made it clear that there are certain visions that Pocketpair Publishing will not entertain. Specifically, the company has taken a firm stance against projects that incorporate generative AI. In a recent interview with Game Developer, Buckley expressed his views candidly: “People are going to say I’m lying, but these are just the hard facts. We don’t believe in it. We’re very upfront about it.” He further elaborated that while there are numerous publishers willing to engage with projects centered around AI, Web3, or NFTs, Pocketpair is not the right fit for such endeavors.
This position has not come without its challenges. The studio has faced scrutiny and skepticism regarding its claims of not utilizing generative AI in its games. Despite repeated assurances, some critics remained unconvinced, prompting Buckley to adopt a more measured approach. “You know, I can’t just come out and start fighting with these people [who make the AI accusations] because that just fuels what’s going on,” he remarked, highlighting the delicate balance between transparency and public perception.
The skepticism surrounding AI in gaming is not unfounded. The gaming community has been on high alert for signs of generative AI usage, often leading to accusations that turn out to be accurate. A notable example occurred in early 2024 when Wizards of the Coast vehemently denied that a promotional image for Magic: The Gathering was AI-generated, only to later admit that it was, despite previous commitments to avoid AI-generated art. Ironically, by mid-2024, the company was seeking a “principal AI engineer” to develop systems for generating various game assets, all while maintaining that its stance on AI had not changed.
As Pocketpair Publishing forges ahead, it remains to be seen how its commitment to traditional development practices will resonate within an industry increasingly influenced by technological advancements in AI and blockchain. Buckley’s resolute approach may well set a precedent for other publishers navigating the evolving landscape of game development.
