Pocketpair, the developer behind the hit game Palworld, is expanding into the publishing arena with its newly formed Pocketpair Publishing. The company has announced its first project: a brand new horror game from Surgent Studios, the team behind the debut title *Tales of Kenzera: Zau* released in April last year. This upcoming horror game will not be a continuation of the *Tales of Kenzera* universe but rather a standalone project.
Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim shared insights into the new 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." He added that while discussions about further projects within the *Tales of Kenzera* universe are ongoing, this horror game serves as a unique milestone in their creative journey.
Details such as a release window or a title for the horror game have yet to be disclosed, indicating that the project is still in its early stages. This venture is separate from the previously announced Project Uso by Surgent Studios.
Pocketpair Publishing is also opening its doors to other developers, emphasizing a non-intrusive approach. "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," the company stated on its website.
John Buckley, head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted the company's passion for gaming and its commitment to supporting developers. "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 said. He expressed enthusiasm about supporting Surgent Studios' new title as their first step, emphasizing their respect for developers' autonomy and vision.
Abubakar Salim, who also starred in *Assassin's Creed Origins* and *House of the Dragon*, expressed his honor at being Pocketpair Publishing's first partner. "This is the energy I want to see driving games in 2025," he remarked on X/Twitter, "developers lifting each other up, creating together, and pushing the industry forward."
*Tales of Kenzera: Zau*, a single-player Metroidvania game that delves into themes of grief and love, received a 7/10 from IGN, praised for its moving narrative despite not being groundbreaking in gameplay. However, the game's positive reception did not translate into sustained success for Surgent Studios, which faced layoffs in July and further funding struggles leading to redundancy notices in October. The support from Pocketpair Publishing could be a crucial lifeline for the studio.
Meanwhile, Pocketpair continues to navigate its legal battle with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo over patent infringement, following Palworld's record-breaking sales.
