Palworld, likened to Pokémon Go!, becomes Steam’s third-biggest game with 1.5 million concurrent players in just three days

In a gaming revolution that has left enthusiasts buzzing, Palworld, a controversial new survival game dubbed ‘Pokémon with guns,’ has catapulted itself into the global gaming spotlight within a mere three days of its release. Crafted by the Japanese powerhouse Pocketpair, the game has not only amassed a staggering 1.5 million concurrent players on Steam, making it the platform’s third-biggest title but has also swiftly sold an impressive five million copies.

Palworld’s unique premise allows players to step into the shoes of ‘pal-tamers,’ navigating a vast map where they battle human adversaries and peculiar creatures known as ‘pals.’ The captured pals can either join forces with the player in combat or contribute to the creation of essential items at a base, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Despite garnering immense popularity, Palworld has faced its fair share of criticism, primarily due to its perceived similarities to Pokémon. Some players have gone as far as labelling it a ‘Pokémon rip-off,’ sparking debates within the gaming community. Notably, the game’s server faced multiple crashes, leaving eager players temporarily stranded and frustrated.

Wesley Yin-Poole, UK News Editor for the gaming giant IGN, expressed his astonishment at Palworld’s meteoric rise, emphasizing that Pocketpair while having a history in game development, has never birthed anything as explosively popular. Drawing comparisons to other successful titles, Yin-Poole highlighted that Palworld’s success surpasses even the fastest-selling PlayStation exclusive, ‘The Last of Us Part Two.’

Acknowledging the undeniable similarities to Pokémon, Yin-Poole also pointed out that Palworld stands out in its unique gameplay mechanics, showcasing an innovative blend of concepts from various games. Players, despite reservations, have praised the game’s ability to seamlessly integrate diverse ideas into a captivating mishmash of gaming brilliance.

Palworld, however, is not without its teething problems, as players have reported various issues during gameplay. Pocketpair assures the gaming community that they are diligently addressing these concerns to enhance the overall gaming experience.

As Palworld continues to dominate the gaming landscape, it leaves us pondering whether this ‘Pokémon with guns’ sensation will redefine the gaming industry or if its success is merely a fleeting storm in the world of pixels and play.