It seems Pocketpair isn’t joking around: Palworld: More Than Just Pals, a dating simulator initially presented as an April Fool’s prank several years ago, is now officially in active development. This unusual project is set to launch on PC and consoles, promising players an immersive journey into romantic adventures within the Palworld universe.
The announcement was made via a humorous video featuring Pocketpair’s Communications Director, Bucky, engaged in a lively discussion with founder Takuro Mizobe about the viability of this bold idea. To preempt any doubts before the upcoming April Fool’s Day, the trailer concludes with Bucky’s emphatic declaration: “The game is real.” Additionally, the official Palworld Twitter account corroborated the news, encouraging fans to wishlist the game and emphasizing that this is “NOT an #AprilFoolsDay” prank.
Regarding gameplay, clips shown in the trailer hint at deep interaction and dialogue with various Pals, as well as with the key character Zoe Rayne. However, players shouldn’t expect a typical cute rom-com; the game appears to retain Palworld’s signature subversive and dark tone, reminiscent of titles like Doki Doki Literature Club. Elements of a time-loop mechanic are showcased, along with a shocking scene where the protagonist is shot by a Black Market Merchant, hinting at unpredictable and potentially perilous plot twists.
This development confirmation perfectly aligns with the broader expansion strategy for the Palworld franchise. The popular game recently celebrated its second anniversary, and a physical card game is already slated for release next summer. Clearly, Pocketpair is fully committed to exploring the most unexpected facets of its brand, and Palworld: More Than Just Pals is a vivid testament to this ambition.