Palworld developer Pocketpair is branching out, establishing Pocketpair Publishing to support independent game development. Their first publishing venture is a new horror game from Surgent Studios, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This new title, however, will be a standalone project, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe.

Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim explained the collaboration, stating that the new horror game will be a short, unconventional experience exploring a specific theme they identified within the entertainment industry. He emphasized the shared risk-taking ethos between both studios and confirmed ongoing discussions about future Tales of Kenzera projects.

Pocketpair Publishing's website highlights their commitment to developer autonomy, emphasizing a hands-off approach that respects creative vision. John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, further reiterated this philosophy, emphasizing their support for creators and their desire to foster an environment where developers can freely pursue their ambitions. He described their partnership with Surgent Studios as an embodiment of this philosophy.

Salim, also known for his acting roles in Assassin's Creed Origins, House of the Dragon, and Tales of Kenzera: Zau, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the gaming industry.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a single-player Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a positive reception, earning a 7/10 score from IGN. Despite this positive critical response, Surgent Studios faced financial challenges, including layoffs and redundancy notices, making Pocketpair's support particularly crucial.

Pocketpair, meanwhile, continues to navigate a patent infringement lawsuit filed by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, a legal battle arising from the considerable success of Palworld.