Palworld Developer Pocketpair Rejects AI-Generated Games for its Publishing Division

Pocketpair, the acclaimed studio responsible for the popular game Palworld, recently unveiled its new publishing arm. This venture aims to support independent developers in bringing their creative visions to a global audience. However, the company has taken a firm stance on the use of artificial intelligence, explicitly stating that it will not back any games developed using generative AI technologies. This move highlights a significant point of contention within the modern gaming landscape, as the industry grapples with the integration and ethics of AI in content creation.

Pocketpair's Publishing Division Takes a Stand Against Generative AI in Gaming

In a recent development shaping the future of game publishing, Pocketpair, the innovative force behind the highly successful game Palworld, officially initiated its publishing division in early 2025. This new venture immediately garnered substantial interest from independent developers, receiving over 150 project proposals in its inaugural week. John Buckley, who leads Pocketpair Publishing, articulated the division's core philosophy: to uphold the creative autonomy and unique vision of developers, fostering the creation of outstanding games for a worldwide audience. However, a significant clarification emerged from Buckley in an interview with Game Developer: Pocketpair Publishing will categorically decline to support projects that incorporate generative artificial intelligence, Web3 technologies, or NFTs.

Buckley candidly remarked, \"We don't believe in it. We're very upfront about it. If you're big on AI stuff or your game is Web3 or uses NFTs, there are lots of publishers out there [who'll talk to you], but we're not the right partner for that.\" This definitive position underscores Pocketpair's commitment to traditional, human-led game development processes. Buckley further anticipated a surge in \"really low-quality, AI-made games\" in the coming years, noting that this trend is already becoming evident on platforms like Steam. He predicts a shift towards an \"authenticity market,\" where consumers will increasingly seek out games crafted by human ingenuity rather than machine algorithms, despite the potential for mistaken accusations regarding AI use—a challenge Palworld itself encountered in 2024.

This evolving landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for developers and publishers alike. While AI offers potential efficiencies, Pocketpair's stance suggests a belief in the irreplaceable value of human creativity and artistic integrity in game development. The company's decision serves as a significant statement in the ongoing discourse about technology's role in creative industries, advocating for a future where authenticity and human craftsmanship remain paramount.

Pocketpair's decision to exclude generative AI from its publishing criteria is a bold and commendable move in an industry increasingly experimenting with new technologies. It serves as a powerful reminder that while innovation is crucial, the essence of game development often lies in human creativity, passion, and artistic integrity. This stance could inspire a greater emphasis on authentic development practices, potentially leading to a richer and more meaningful gaming experience for players who value the human touch behind their favorite titles. It encourages both developers and consumers to critically evaluate the origins of their entertainment, fostering a market that champions genuine artistry over algorithmic shortcuts.