Pokemon Company announced the launch of an investigation into “a game by another company released in January 2024”. Although the game is not named, it is obvious that it is Palworld.

“We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game. We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future,” the statement reads.

Palworld has already passed the 8 million copies sold mark. The game has the second largest number of players on Steam at the same time – 2,018,905 and is second only to PUBG. The similarity to Pokémon and the incredible success of the game could not but interest Pokemon Company, so this step was quite expected.

It is also worth mentioning that Nintendo has already taken certain measures against the game, sending a DMCA strike to the video where friends were replaced with Pokémon using mods. Now the company has taken the investigation much more seriously.