“No AI, No NFTs”: Pocketpair Draws a Clear Line on Future Game Tech

Best known for creating the monster-collecting hit Palworld, developer and publisher Pocketpair has become one of Japan’s most closely watched studios. After its breakout success, the company expanded its business in early 2025 with a new publishing division aimed at supporting smaller indie teams.

However, speaking at gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2025, the studio made its stance on certain emerging technologies abundantly clear, and it’s taking a firm, human-first position.

Pocketpair Rejects Games Built on Generative AI, Web3, or NFT Systems

During a panel session, John Buckley, Pocketpair’s Communications Director and Publishing Manager, stated that the company has no interest in backing or publishing titles that use Generative AI, Web3, or NFT elements.

According to Buckley, the decision is rooted in philosophy rather than business. He explained that the company doesn’t believe these technologies align with what makes games meaningful.

“Games built around those concepts can find another publisher,” Buckley said. “We’ll never stand behind them.”

“The Human Touch Still Matters Most”

Buckley also addressed the growing presence of AI-generated games on major platforms, particularly Steam. While acknowledging that the rise of AI in development is inevitable, he emphasised that authenticity and human creativity will remain the most valuable assets in the long run.

“It’s something that has plagued other stores, but Steam had been good at keeping them out. This wave is coming, and I think we’ll enter an authenticity market — where people start saying, ‘No, these guys are really trying to make something special,’” Buckley added.

Publishing Focused on Original Indie Voices

Launched in January 2025, Pocketpair Publishing has already announced its first slate of supported projects, including Dead Take, Normal Fishing, Truckful, and Never Grave.

Each of these games reflects the studio’s belief in originality and craftsmanship — a deliberate step away from short-term tech trends such as NFTs, blockchain integration, or fully AI-generated content.

A Clear Identity for the Post-Palworld Era

With Palworld’s continued global success and ongoing legal disputes with Nintendo still unresolved, the publishing branch is shaping up to be the company’s next major chapter.

By taking a definitive stand against Generative AI and Web3-driven development, Pocketpair is positioning itself as a champion of human-made creativity in an increasingly automated gaming landscape — a message that’s likely to resonate with both players and developers alike.