Pocketpair, the developer behind the popular game Palworld, is expanding its horizons by venturing into the publishing industry. They have announced their first project under Pocketpair Publishing, which will support Surgent Studio's next endeavor—a brand new horror game. Surgent Studios, known for their debut title Tales of Kenzera: Zau released in April last year, will explore a new genre with this upcoming project. Notably, this horror game will not be a continuation of the Tales of Kenzera universe.
Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim shared insights into the project, stating, "We noticed a pattern in the entertainment industry, and Pocketpair has given us the opportunity to make a horror game about it. Both Surgent and Pocketpair are well versed in taking risks. This game will be short and weird, and we think players will be interested in what we have to say." Salim also mentioned ongoing discussions about further projects set in the Tales of Kenzera universe, but emphasized that the new horror game will stand alone as a unique piece.
Details such as the release window and title for the horror game remain undisclosed, indicating that the project is still in its early stages. This project is separate from the previously announced Project Uso by Surgent Studios.
Pocketpair Publishing is also opening its doors to other developers, as stated on their website: "We don't want to tell you what to do. We don’t want to take control from you. We don’t want to change your dream or push you to make a certain type of game." John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, reinforced this commitment, saying, "At Pocketpair, there is nothing we love more than games, and Pocketpair Publishing is our latest venture to help the world enjoy gaming even more. Game development comes with many challenges, but we want to ease that process as much as possible and provide an environment where creators can pursue their dreams."
Buckley expressed enthusiasm about supporting Surgent Studios' new title, stating, "We are pleased to be able to support Surgent Studios’ new title as our first step. We deeply sympathize with their original ideas and passion and are honored to help them realize their vision. We will respect the autonomy and vision of developers and work together to make great games for people all over the world."
Abubakar Salim, who also has a notable acting career, including roles in Assassin's Creed Origins, House of the Dragon, and Tales of Kenzera: Zau, expressed his honor at being Pocketpair Publishing's first partner on X/Twitter. He highlighted the collaborative spirit he hopes to see in the gaming industry in 2025, saying, "This is the energy I want to see driving games in 2025, developers lifting each other up, creating together, and pushing the industry forward."
Tales of Kenzera: Zau is a single-player Metroidvania game that delves into themes of grief and love, earning a 7/10 in IGN's review. The review praised the game's emotional narrative, stating, "Tales of Kenzera: Zau's action isn't groundbreaking within the genre, but its elevated by a truly moving tale about how to go on in this world when your loved ones have passed on to the next."
Despite the positive reception, Tales of Kenzera: Zau did not achieve overwhelming commercial success, leading to layoffs at Surgent Studios in July and further funding struggles by October. The support from Pocketpair Publishing is expected to be crucial for the studio's future.
Meanwhile, Pocketpair continues to face legal challenges from The Pokémon Company and Nintendo over a patent infringement lawsuit related to their game Palworld, which saw record-breaking sales.
