Pocketpair, the developer behind the hit game Palworld, is venturing into the publishing arena with the establishment of Pocketpair Publishing. Their first collaboration is with Surgent Studios, creators of the debut title *Tales of Kenzera: Zau*, to support the development of a new horror game. This upcoming game will not continue the *Tales of Kenzera* storyline but will explore a fresh, standalone horror concept.
Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim shared insights into the 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." Salim also mentioned ongoing discussions about further expanding the *Tales of Kenzera* universe, indicating that this horror game marks a creative milestone for the studio.
Details such as the release window and title of the horror game remain under wraps, suggesting that it's still in the early stages of development. This project is distinct from the previously announced *Project Uso* by Surgent Studios.
Pocketpair Publishing is also inviting pitches from other developers, emphasizing a hands-off 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," they stated on their website.
John Buckley, head of Pocketpair Publishing, elaborated on their mission, saying, "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. We are pleased to be able to support Surgent Studios’ new title as our first step. We deeply sympathize with their original ideas and passion and are honoured to help them realize their vision. We will respect the autonomy and vision of developers and work together to make great games for people all over the world."
Abubakar Salim, who also stars in *Assassin's Creed Origins*, *House of the Dragon*, and voiced the protagonist in *Tales of Kenzera: Zau*, expressed his enthusiasm on X/Twitter, saying, "it's an incredible honor to be Pocketpair Publishing's first partner. This is the energy I want to see driving games in 2025: 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 emotional storytelling despite not being groundbreaking in gameplay. However, the game's success was not enough to prevent layoffs at Surgent Studios in July, followed by redundancy notices in October due to funding issues. The partnership with Pocketpair Publishing could provide much-needed support for the studio.
Meanwhile, Pocketpair continues to navigate legal challenges with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo over a patent infringement lawsuit stemming from Palworld's phenomenal sales.
