Palworld, the multiplayer, open-world survival game from Japanese developer Pocketpair that became a breakout hit earlier this year by surpassing 25 million players after only one month following its release, is set to expand beyond video games and become a media franchise similar to Pokémon, according to a new announcement shared by Sony Music Group today that explains how it has launched a joint venture with Pocketpair and Aniplex to create Palworld Entertainment, a new company that will be in charge of developing the reach of the IP and more. Sakurajima, a major update for Palworld that introduces several improvements to the game, including a new island, arena, and stronghold, has been available since June 26.
Sony’s announcement reads:
- “Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and its group subsidiary Aniplex Inc. and Pocketpair, Inc. have established a joint venture, Palworld Entertainment Inc., to expand and develop new businesses associated with the hit game, Palworld.”
- “The JV will be responsible for developing the reach of the intellectual property and for expanding commercial business endeavors, including the global licensing and merchandising activities associated with Palworld, outside of the interactive game.”
- “JV efforts will begin with the development of exclusive merchandise based on the game – which will debut and sell at the Pocketpair booth during Bilibili World 2024 (beginning Friday, July 12, 2024 in Shanghai, China) and be made available for pre-order at Aniplex and its subsidiaries, Aniplex of America and Aniplex Shanghai, e-commerce sites with more detailed information at a later date.”
A look at Palworld’s Sakurajima update:
About the game:
Palworld is a multiplayer open-world survival craft monster-collection game that is set in a world where mysterious monsters “Pal” inhabit. In Palworld, you will meet a variety of Pals, and what to do with them is entirely up to you. Capturing them, raising them, fighting with them, forcing them to work, selling them off, slaughtering them for food; you can do many activities with Pals in the vast world of Palworld.