Pocketpair, the creator of the immensely popular game Palworld, has announced its expansion into publishing with Pocketpair Publishing. This new division aims to support indie developers by providing funding, development assistance, and publishing services. The first project under this initiative is a collaboration with Surgent Studios, creators of Tales of Kenzara: Zau, for an unnamed horror game set to release in 2025. Both companies share a vision of fostering innovation and mutual support within the gaming industry, especially during challenging times when funding for smaller studios has become increasingly scarce.
Empowering Indie Developers through Financial and Creative Support
Pocketpair Publishing's mission is to provide financial backing and development resources to independent game developers. By leveraging its success with Palworld, which generated significant profits despite modest initial investment, Pocketpair aims to help other indie studios realize their creative visions. The company emphasizes that it will not interfere with developers' creative control but instead offer the necessary support to bring innovative games to market.
The decision to establish Pocketpair Publishing stems from recognizing the struggles faced by many indie developers. Despite critical acclaim, some studios struggle to secure funding or gain approval for their projects. Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe highlighted that the industry's growth often leaves promising games without the means to thrive. Through this new venture, Pocketpair seeks to address these challenges by offering financial assistance and development expertise. The company's approach mirrors that of Innersloth, another indie studio that launched Outersloth in 2024 to support fellow developers. Both initiatives underscore the importance of community and mutual aid in sustaining the video game industry.
A New Horror Game Signals Hope for Surgent Studios
Surgent Studios, known for Tales of Kenzara: Zau, has partnered with Pocketpair Publishing for a standalone horror game slated for release in 2025. This collaboration comes at a crucial time for Surgent, which had previously paused its game development due to funding issues. The new game promises to be darker and more intense while retaining the high-octane combat and cultural depth characteristic of their previous work. Abubakar Ssalim, CEO of Surgent Studios, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, noting that both companies share a willingness to take risks and innovate within the industry.
The unnamed horror game represents a fresh start for Surgent Studios, offering them the opportunity to explore new narratives and gameplay mechanics. Ssalim emphasized that the project would be short and unconventional, aiming to captivate players with its unique storytelling. The collaboration with Pocketpair also opens the door for potential future projects within the Tales of Kenzara universe. This partnership exemplifies the growing trend of indie studios supporting one another, creating a more sustainable and collaborative environment in the gaming industry. As the sector continues to evolve, initiatives like Pocketpair Publishing play a vital role in nurturing creativity and ensuring the survival of smaller studios.
