Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, is branching out into publishing, starting with a new horror game from Surgent Studios, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. Pocketpair Publishing, the newly formed entity, announced on X/Twitter that it will support this "brand new horror game," which will be a standalone title, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe.
Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim explained the collaboration, stating that the new project is inspired by observed industry trends and reflects both companies' willingness to take creative risks. He described the game as "short and weird," hinting at a unique and unconventional experience. While future projects within the Tales of Kenzera universe are under discussion, this upcoming horror title will serve as a distinct project, marking a significant step for Surgent Studios. No release date or title has been revealed. This new project is separate from Surgent Studios' previously announced Project Uso.
Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking out new development partners, emphasizing a collaborative approach that prioritizes developer autonomy and creative vision. John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting creators and easing the challenges of game development. He expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Surgent Studios, praising their originality and passion.
Salim, also known for his acting roles (including Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins and Alyn of Hull in House of the Dragon), expressed his gratitude for the partnership on X/Twitter, emphasizing the positive collaborative spirit within the industry.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a single-player Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a 7/10 rating from IGN, praised for its moving narrative. Despite the positive reception, Surgent Studios faced financial challenges, including layoffs and redundancy notices. The partnership with Pocketpair Publishing offers significant support for the studio.
Pocketpair itself continues to navigate a patent infringement lawsuit filed by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, following the remarkable sales success of Palworld.
