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 with Surgent Studios' next project.

Pocketpair Publishing, a newly established entity, announced on X/Twitter its support for a "brand new horror game" from Surgent Studios, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. 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. While future projects within the Tales of Kenzera universe are under discussion, this upcoming game serves as a distinct project, marking a transition point for the studio. No release date or title has been revealed. This project is also separate 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. John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting game creators and easing the challenges of game development. He expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Surgent Studios for their first publishing venture.

Salim, also known for his acting roles (including Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins), expressed his appreciation for the partnership, emphasizing the positive collaborative spirit within the gaming industry.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a single-player Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a positive reception, although its commercial success was limited. Surgent Studios faced layoffs and funding difficulties earlier this year, making Pocketpair's support particularly significant.

Pocketpair itself is currently involved in a patent infringement lawsuit with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, following Palworld's strong sales.