Palworld Developer Pocketpair Moves Into Publishing to Release Tales of Kenzera Dev's Next Game

Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, is branching out into publishing, starting with Surgent Studios' next project.

Pocketpair Publishing, a newly established entity, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that it will be supporting a new horror title from Surgent Studios, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This new game will be a standalone project, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe.

Abubakar Salim, CEO of Surgent Studios, explained the collaboration, stating that the game will be a "short and weird" horror experience based on an observed industry trend. He emphasized the shared risk-taking approach of both studios. While future projects within the Tales of Kenzera universe are still under discussion, this new horror game represents a significant step forward for Surgent Studios.

No release date or title has been revealed, suggesting the project is still in its early stages. This venture is also distinct from Surgent Studios' previously announced Project Uso.

Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking proposals from other developers, emphasizing a collaborative approach that prioritizes developer autonomy and creative vision. The company aims to foster a supportive environment where creators can freely pursue their artistic goals without undue interference.

John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted the company's passion for games and its commitment to easing the challenges of game development. He expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Surgent Studios on their new title, praising their originality and passion.

Salim, also known for his acting roles (including Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins), celebrated the partnership, viewing it as a positive example of industry collaboration and mutual support.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a 7/10 rating from IGN. Despite its positive reception, Surgent Studios faced financial difficulties, including layoffs and redundancy notices, making Pocketpair's support particularly crucial.

Pocketpair itself continues to navigate a patent infringement lawsuit filed by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, following the remarkable sales success of Palworld.