Japanese celebrities and entertainment professionals are reportedly being advised to avoid mentioning the popular game Palworld in public or on social media. This is because of the concerns regarding potential backlash from The Pokémon Company. We don’t need to remind you how big Pokémon is in Japan.
This news follows the breakout success of Palworld, an open-world survival game launched in January. Palworld looks a lot like Pokémon, so while it is blowing up in the US, many are concerned that supporting the game in Japan will hurt them with the Pokémon company (Thanks, VGC!). It is a strange way to be because many sites are behind Palworld all the way since it gives players what they’ve wanted for a while.
According to Tokyo Sports, talent agencies are taking precautions to maintain positive relationships with The Pokémon Company, which has expressed its intent to investigate potential intellectual property infringement.
“We have told our talent not to mention Palworld on social media or in public. This was done out of consideration for the Pokémon side as an agency. This decision was made in consideration of future potential collaborations.”
Source from Tokyo Sports
Many updates have contributed to Palworld’s success, including its position as Game Pass’ most popular third-party game. However, what amplifies the scrutiny is its design similarities. While the game boasts engaging mechanics and impressive execution, potential IP infringement’s legal and financial implications pose a significant challenge.
The Pokémon Company has not explicitly named Palworld or gone out of its way to go against the game yet. However, everyone is waiting for the backlash to come. Having celebrities not mention the game is just a way to avoid any issues when the time does come for the Pokémon Company and Nintendo to fight back against the now-giant Palworld.
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