Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe attributes the studio's openness to its unusual origins, having grown out of web and technology businesses rather than the traditional Japanese games industry. The company's approachability is striking, especially considering the scrutiny it faced after the success of Palworld, which brought accusations of derivative creature designs and a lawsuit from The Pokémon Company. Despite this, Mizobe remains committed to maintaining the studio's indie spirit, prioritizing the freedom to try new ideas over becoming a company defined by a single franchise.
Mizobe says Pocketpair intends to continue developing Palworld, but with a focus on finding the best way to continue the game that makes sense for the players. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the freedom to try new things, rather than committing the company's entire workforce to a single project. The studio's publishing business was established to help independent developers navigate similar challenges, and Mizobe claims it was not simply to generate revenue.