Overview
- At Gamescom Asia, communications director John Buckley said Pocketpair’s publishing label will not work with projects that use generative AI, Web3 or NFTs, stating, “We don’t believe in it.”
- Bucketley projected a two-to-three-year wave of low-quality AI-made releases hitting storefronts and suggested an emerging “authenticity” market for human-made games.
- Addressing recent social-media claims of AI-based localization, Pocketpair said the accusations were incorrect and updated Palworld’s credits to include individual translator names after securing approvals.
- Pocketpair launched its publishing division in January 2025 and reported receiving more than 150 pitches in its first week.
- The stance sets Pocketpair apart as many game companies explore AI tools—over half of Japanese developers use AI, per CESA—and the studio continues to face an active lawsuit with Nintendo over Palworld.