By Sagar V. Mankar 
Amid an ongoing legal dispute with Nintendo, Japanese developer Pocket Pair has introduced a major update to its creature-collecting game, Palworld. The version 0.3.11 update removes the ability to summon Pals by throwing Pal Spheres, a mechanic that closely mirrored Nintendo’s Pokémon games. Players must now hold out the Pal Sphere to summon their Pals directly beside them, marking a significant change in gameplay.
The legal conflict centers on allegations that Palworld infringes on several of Nintendo’s patents. These include patents 7545191, 7493117, and 7528390, which protect the use of projectiles to summon creatures in a 3D environment for combat. Nintendo is seeking damages of approximately 10 million JPY (around $65,000 USD) and an injunction to remove Palworld from the market.
Many fans believe the update is a preemptive move by Pocket Pair to address these allegations. Notably, the ability to throw Pal Spheres to capture Pals remains unchanged, suggesting that this feature is not covered by Nintendo’s patents. However, the removal of the summoning mechanic has sparked backlash within the community. Players valued the original method for its strategic advantages, such as positioning Pals away from danger or setting them up for optimal attacks.
Fans have voiced frustration, arguing that the direct summoning method diminishes the game’s depth and creativity. Despite the dissatisfaction, Pocket Pair has not provided any official explanation for the sudden alteration.
If Nintendo succeeds in its lawsuit, the consequences for Pocket Pair could be severe. The developer may be forced to remove additional mechanics or even withdraw the game from sale entirely. By making these changes now, Pocket Pair might be attempting to mitigate potential legal risks while keeping the game available to players.
Palworld was released in January 2024 for Windows PC (via Steam and the Microsoft Store), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and later on PlayStation 5. The game has also been part of Xbox Game Pass since its launch, broadening its reach to a global audience.
For more information on Palworld and updates on the legal battle, visit the official game page or stay tuned to Gaming Foodle for the latest news.