Palworld Developer Pocketpair Moves Into Publishing to Release Tales of Kenzera Dev's Next Game

Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, is branching out into publishing, starting with Surgent Studios' next project.

Pocketpair Publishing, the newly established publishing arm, announced on X/Twitter its support for a new horror game from Surgent Studios, the team behind last year's debut title, Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This new horror title will be a standalone project, unrelated to the Kenzera universe.

Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim explained the collaboration, stating that the game will be a shorter, unconventional horror experience reflecting observations about the entertainment industry. He emphasized the shared risk-taking approach between both studios. While future projects within the Tales of Kenzera universe are under discussion, this new game will serve as a distinct project, marking a transition point for Surgent Studios. No release date or title has been revealed. This project is separate from Surgent Studios' previously announced Project Uso.

Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking proposals from other developers, emphasizing a collaborative approach that prioritizes developer autonomy and creative vision. Their website states a commitment to supporting developers' dreams without dictating creative direction.

John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted the company's passion for games and its desire to foster a supportive environment for game creators. He expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Surgent Studios on their new title, emphasizing respect for their creative vision.

Salim, also a notable actor (known for roles in Assassin's Creed Origins, House of the Dragon, and Tales of Kenzera: Zau), expressed his honor in being Pocketpair Publishing's first partner, highlighting the collaborative spirit he hopes to see more of in the gaming industry.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a single-player Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a positive 7/10 review from IGN. Despite this, Surgent Studios faced challenges, including layoffs and redundancy notices due to funding difficulties. The support from Pocketpair Publishing is expected to significantly aid the studio.

Meanwhile, Pocketpair continues to navigate a patent infringement lawsuit from The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, filed after Palworld's successful launch.