How a runaway success led to financial challenges: While most game developers would celebrate their title’s success, the creators of Palworld are taking an unexpected approach—laughing off their studio’s so-called “bankruptcy.” Despite massive sales and a loyal player base, the team’s commitment to delivering a seamless multiplayer experience has come with an eye-popping price tag.
A staggering $478,000 for server stability
The multiplayer launch of Palworld, which took place on January 19, 2024, was far from smooth. Server outages left players unable to access the online mode, sparking frustration and concerns. However, the single-player mode remained unaffected. To resolve these issues, the team worked closely with Epic Games, prioritizing server stability above all else.
This commitment didn’t come cheap. The studio revealed a jaw-dropping $478,000 server maintenance bill, an expense that initially raised eyebrows among players and staff alike. Takuro Mizobe, a representative of Pocket Pair Inc., humorously questioned the studio’s financial health in a tweet, joking, “Are we going bankrupt because of this server bill?”
Responding to the concerns, Chujo Hiroto, the lead network engineer for Palworld, explained: “We were instructed not to compromise the quality of the online experience at any cost. To honor that directive, we set up servers without worrying about profitability. The $478,000 was spent to ensure our players could fully enjoy Palworld.” His comments underlined the studio’s unwavering dedication to their community.
Palworld’s online popularity skyrockets
The hefty server expenses are tied to the meteoric rise in the game’s popularity. According to Takuro Mizobe, the cost of maintaining the online infrastructure increased by 359% shortly after launch. If the player base remains this active, server upkeep could climb to an astonishing $5.7 million annually. It’s a heavy burden for any studio, especially one still riding the wave of its first major hit.
The costs, however, reflect the incredible scale of Palworld’s success. Data from SteamDB shows that the game reached a peak of 2,101,867 concurrent players, making it the second-most played title on the platform—a remarkable achievement for a new release. Even weeks after launch, Palworld has maintained its top spot on Steam’s best-seller charts, holding the position for three consecutive weeks.
A global phenomenon
Palworld’s appeal extends far beyond the Steam platform. Across all platforms, the game has amassed over 19 million players, with 12 million copies sold on Steam alone, according to the developers. This phenomenal success has solidified Palworld as one of the standout titles of 2024, blending multiplayer chaos with the quirky charm of its monster-taming gameplay.
Prioritizing players over profits
For many fans, the studio’s decision to prioritize server stability, even at great expense, reflects a rare commitment to player satisfaction. While the financial toll may seem alarming, the developers’ lighthearted take on the situation adds to their authenticity. Instead of shying away from the challenge, the team at Pocket Pair Inc. continues to push forward, ensuring that millions of players worldwide can enjoy a seamless experience.
As Palworld remains a fixture in the gaming world, its journey serves as a reminder that with great success comes great responsibility—and sometimes, great bills. But for Pocket Pair Inc., laughter might just be the best way to navigate the wild ride.