Yoshiki Okamoto, a veteran game producer known for his work on Street Fighter II and Resident Evil, sparked controversy in Japan after telling viewers not to buy Palworld in a recent YouTube video. His comments drew swift pushback online.
Okamoto said in the video that Palworld had “crossed a line that should not be crossed.” He then went further, stating: “However, it is currently a game that’s being sued so it’s unacceptable. By playing the game you are supporting it, so please don’t buy it.”
The remarks drew criticism on Japanese social media. Critics took issue with his call for a boycott while the legal case remains unresolved, arguing that consumers shouldn’t be told to avoid a game before any court ruling has been made.
Okamoto left Capcom to found Game Republic and later became associated with the hit mobile title Monster Strike. He now regularly comments on industry topics through his YouTube channel and holds leadership positions in Japanese cultural organizations.
The lawsuit he referenced involves Nintendo alleging that Palworld infringes specific gameplay patents. These patents cover mechanics like ball-throwing creature capture systems and mount-riding interactions. The patents were reportedly filed in December 2021, around the time of Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Crucially, the lawsuit does not claim that Palworld‘s creature designs copy Pokémon characters. The case targets narrowly defined gameplay mechanics through patent law rather than copyright infringement over visual designs.
Palworld launched in early access on PC and Xbox in January 2024 and became one of the year’s biggest breakout hits. The game combines creature collecting with survival and crafting gameplay, featuring real-time combat and base automation. Players capture creatures called “Pals” using spherical “Pal Spheres” and can use them to fight, work, or ride as mounts.
Despite frequent comparisons to Pokémon due to its creature designs and marketing (“Pokémon with guns”), the game’s core loop differs significantly from mainline Pokémon titles. Palworld emphasizes survival crafting and base building rather than turn-based RPG battles.
Developer Pocketpair has faced scrutiny before. Their earlier title Craftopia drew comparisons to The Legend of Breath of the Wild for its visual style and mechanics. The Pokémon Company announced in January 2024 that it was investigating Palworld, which eventually led to the current patent lawsuit.
In 2024, Pocketpair announced Palworld Entertainment, a joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment and Aniplex, to expand the IP through licensing and merchandise.
Patents and precedent
Patent disputes in Japan’s gaming sector are relatively rare but can be significant. Nintendo previously sued mobile developer Colopl over AR control patents, a case that ended with a multi-billion yen settlement. The company has shown willingness to enforce patent rights when it deems necessary.
The Palworld case remains ongoing with no court decision issued. Okamoto’s statements represent his personal opinion and do not reflect an official position from Nintendo or The Pokémon Company.
