Pocketpair Enters Publishing with Tales of Kenzera

Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, is branching out into publishing with its new venture, Pocketpair Publishing. Their first project will be a new horror game from Surgent Studios, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This new title will be a standalone project, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe, though Surgent Studios hasn't ruled out future projects within that setting.

Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim, also known for his acting roles (including Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins), described the upcoming horror game as "short and weird," reflecting both studios' willingness to take creative risks. While details are scarce – no release date or title has been announced – the collaboration signifies a significant step for Surgent Studios, which recently faced layoffs and funding challenges. This partnership provides crucial support and stability.

Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking out other developers, emphasizing a collaborative and supportive approach. They aim to provide an environment where creators can retain creative control and pursue their visions without undue pressure or interference. This commitment to developer autonomy is a key aspect of their publishing philosophy.

John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted the company's passion for games and their desire to facilitate a more supportive development landscape. He expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Surgent Studios, praising their originality and passion.

The news comes as Pocketpair continues to navigate a patent infringement lawsuit filed by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, a legal battle that arose following the remarkable sales success of Palworld. The success of this new publishing venture could significantly impact Pocketpair's future.