TLDR: Pocketpair Publishing, the new division launched by Palworld developer Pocketpair, has declared it will not publish games that incorporate generative AI, Web3 technologies, or NFTs. This stance was articulated by Pocketpair Publishing boss John Buckley, who also expressed concerns about a forthcoming wave of low-quality, AI-generated games on platforms like Steam.
Pocketpair, the studio behind the immensely popular game Palworld, has established a new publishing division, Pocketpair Publishing, with a clear and firm policy against certain emerging technologies in game development. John Buckley, the head of Pocketpair Publishing, explicitly stated that the company will not consider games that utilize generative artificial intelligence, Web3 technologies, or NFTs.
In an interview with Game Developer, Buckley was unequivocal about their position: “People are going to say I’m lying, but these are just the hard facts. 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 declaration sets a distinct boundary for developers seeking partnerships with the new publishing arm.
Buckley also shared his apprehension regarding the future landscape of the gaming industry, predicting an imminent surge of “really low quality, AI-made games” on digital storefronts such as Steam. He noted that while other platforms have faced this issue, Steam has historically been more effective at filtering them out. However, he believes this “wave is coming,” and anticipates a shift towards an “authenticity market” where consumers will increasingly seek out games developed with genuine human effort and vision.
Also Read:
- Steam Next Fest October 2025 Sees Over 500 Demos Incorporate Generative AI, Sparking Industry Disappointment
- Microsoft Insider Clarifies Limited Role of Generative AI in Upcoming Halo Titles
This announcement comes after Pocketpair itself faced accusations of using generative AI for the designs of its “Pals” during Palworld’s launch in 2024. The studio vehemently denied these claims, with Buckley acknowledging the difficulty in refuting such allegations. He mentioned that despite efforts, including releasing an art book, it remains challenging to counter public perception, especially when gamers are often quick to identify and distrust AI-generated content. The company’s artists, particularly the Pal concept artists, were reportedly deeply affected by these accusations. Buckley emphasized that the studio has not “cracked how to properly refute this yet,” highlighting a broader industry challenge in distinguishing human-created art from AI-generated content.
