Pocketpair Enters Publishing, to Release Next Game by Tales of Kenzera Dev

Pocketpair, the developer behind the hit game Palworld, is expanding into the publishing realm with the launch of Pocketpair Publishing. The company has announced that it will be publishing a new horror game from Surgent Studios, the team behind last year's debut title, Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This upcoming project will mark a departure from the Tales of Kenzera universe, offering a standalone experience that explores new themes.

Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim expressed excitement about 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 future projects within the Tales of Kenzera universe, indicating a broader vision for the studio.

While no release window or title has been announced for the horror game, it's clear that the project is still in its early stages. This new endeavor is distinct from the previously shared Project Uso concept by Surgent Studios. Meanwhile, Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking pitches from other developers, emphasizing a philosophy of supporting creative freedom. "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, shared the company's passion for gaming and its commitment to easing the challenges of game development. "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. We want to provide an environment where creators can pursue their dreams," Buckley said. He also expressed enthusiasm for supporting Surgent Studios' new title, highlighting a shared respect for original ideas and passion.

Salim, who has also made a name for himself as an actor in projects like Assassin's Creed Origins and House of the Dragon, celebrated the partnership on X/Twitter, calling it "an incredible honor to be Pocketpair Publishing's first partner." He added, "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 positive review from IGN, earning a 7/10. Despite the acclaim, Surgent Studios faced financial difficulties, announcing layoffs in July and further funding struggles in October. The partnership with Pocketpair Publishing could provide much-needed support for the studio's future endeavors.

Meanwhile, Pocketpair continues to navigate legal challenges, including a patent infringement lawsuit from The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, following Palworld's record-breaking sales success.