Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, is branching out into publishing, starting with a new horror game from Surgent Studios.
Pocketpair Publishing, the newly established publishing arm, announced on X/Twitter its partnership with Surgent Studios, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau, for an upcoming horror title. This new project will be a standalone title, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe.
Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim, also known for his acting roles (including Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins), explained the collaboration: "We noticed a trend in the entertainment industry, and Pocketpair offered the perfect opportunity to create a horror game based on it." He described the game as "short and weird," expressing confidence in its appeal. While further Tales of Kenzera projects are under discussion, this new game will serve as a distinct project, marking a transition for the studio.
No release date or title has been revealed, suggesting the project is in its early stages. This new horror game is also distinct from Surgent Studios' previously announced Project Uso.
Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking proposals from other developers, emphasizing a collaborative and supportive approach. Their website states their commitment to avoiding creative control and allowing developers to pursue their visions.
John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted the company's passion for games and its desire to foster a supportive environment for game creators. He expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Surgent Studios on their new project, emphasizing respect for their creative autonomy.
Salim expressed his gratitude for the partnership on X/Twitter, highlighting the positive collaborative energy in the gaming industry.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a positive reception (7/10 from IGN). Despite this, Surgent Studios faced financial challenges, including layoffs and redundancy notices, making Pocketpair's support crucial for the studio's future.
Pocketpair itself is currently navigating a patent infringement lawsuit from The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, following the remarkable sales success of Palworld.
