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/Twitter that it will be supporting a new horror game from Surgent Studios, the team behind Tales of Kenzera: Zau, released in April 2023. This new horror title 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, unconventional horror experience. He highlighted the shared risk-taking approach between both studios. While future Tales of Kenzera projects are under discussion, this new game serves as a bridge between Surgent Studios' past and future endeavors. No release date or title has been revealed. This project is distinct from Surgent Studios' previously announced Project Uso.

Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking proposals from other developers, emphasizing a collaborative and supportive approach. Their website states a commitment to avoiding creative control and allowing developers to pursue their visions.

John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, expressed enthusiasm for this new venture, aiming to ease the challenges of game development and foster an environment where creators can thrive. He highlighted the shared vision and passion as key factors in partnering with Surgent Studios for their inaugural project.

Salim, also a notable actor (known for roles in Assassin's Creed Origins, House of the Dragon, and Tales of Kenzera: Zau), expressed his honor in being Pocketpair Publishing's first partner. He praised the collaborative spirit driving the partnership, aiming to advance the gaming industry.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a single-player Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a 7/10 rating from IGN. Despite positive reviews, Surgent Studios faced financial difficulties, including layoffs and redundancy notices. The support from Pocketpair Publishing is expected to significantly aid the studio's stability.

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