Palworld developer Pocketpair is finalizing its highly anticipated cross-play update, slated for release in late March 2025. A recent X/Twitter post confirmed the update will introduce cross-platform multiplayer functionality, allowing players across all platforms to team up. It will also add a world transfer feature for Pals. While details remain scarce beyond a promotional image showcasing a Palworld battle, Pocketpair's Communications Director and Publishing Manager, John 'Bucky' Buckley, hinted at "a few little surprises" included in the March update.
This update is excellent news for the 32 million players who've joined Palworld since its early access launch in January 2024. Pocketpair has outlined an extensive 2025 content roadmap, including the cross-play feature, a concluding game scenario, and additional content for this popular creature-catching survival game.
Palworld's successful launch on Steam ($30) and simultaneous inclusion in Xbox and PC Game Pass a year ago shattered sales and concurrent player records. Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe revealed the game's overwhelming success initially overwhelmed the studio's capacity to manage the resulting profits. Despite this, Pocketpair swiftly capitalized on Palworld's breakout success by signing a deal with Sony to establish Palworld Entertainment, a new venture focused on expanding the IP and launching the game on PS5.
However, a looming lawsuit from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company casts a shadow. They are seeking an injunction and damages, alleging Palworld infringes on multiple patent rights. Pocketpair has responded by identifying the patents in question and modifying the Pal summoning mechanic within the game. The studio has pledged to vigorously defend its position in court, stating, “We will continue to assert our position in this case through future legal proceedings.”
