Palworld, the popular monster-catching survival game currently available on PC and Xbox Series S/X, is at the center of a mobile app controversy.
Fresh off of Nintendo’s warning about investigating concerns about the game’s potential copyright infringement and AI use, copycats are now emerging on multiple platforms. Pocketpair, the game’s developer, is now warning its community regarding fake mobile apps posing as Palworld on the App Store and Google Play.
The developer emphasized on social media that there is no official Palworld mobile application. Apps using its name or imagery aren’t affiliated with Pocketpair. The studio has reported these fraudulent apps to Apple, which operates the App Store, and Google, which operates Google Play. Pocketpair cautioned that downloading these apps could leak personal information stored on smartphones or even lead to fraud.
The appearance of fake apps highlights the challenges in digital storefront security and the risks associated with the use of unauthorized applications. It’s especially concerning considering Palworld’s considerable success and its appeal to a younger audience, making it a prime target for scammers.
Since its early access release on January 19, Palworld has garnered immense popularity, selling over eight million copies on Steam in less than a week.
Despite this success, its journey has not been without controversy. The game has been subject to debate over its many similarities to Pokémon, leading to intense scrutiny and even the aforementioned legal statements from The Pokémon Company about potential infringement on intellectual property rights. However, Pocketpair has denied any direct copying of Pokémon designs.
Given Palworld’s massive appeal and controversial status, it is crucial for fans to be vigilant about where they access the game. The only official platforms for Palworld are PC and Xbox Series S/X, including access through Xbox Game Pass. Its fans should avoid any mobile apps claiming to be Palworld and report such apps to the relevant authorities in the App Store and Google Play.
As for a legitimate and working mobile version of Palworld or a port for any platform for that matter, there hasn’t been an official announcement from Pocketpair or any plans for such a release. Therefore, fans of Palworld should continue enjoying the game on the officially supported platforms and remain cautious of any unsanctioned versions that may appear online.
