Palworld’s Legal Nightmare: Why Sony Should Step In and Why Copyright Law Needs an Overhaul

Palworld has once again been forced to compromise its gameplay—not because of technical limitations, not because of player feedback, but because of ongoing litigation that seems more like corporate bullying than any real protection of intellectual property. The latest update (v0.5.5) removes the ability to use certain Pals to glide unless the player equips a glider, which is a fundamental change to the way the game was meant to be played. The reason? Legal pressure.

Let’s not mince words here: This is ridiculous.

Pocketpair is clearly under legal siege, and while they don’t name the aggressor directly, we all know who it is. Nintendo has a long history of overreaching when it comes to protecting their IP. And while protecting your creations is understandable, what’s happening here isn’t protection—it’s oppression.

Palworld is being ripped apart patch by patch in order to satisfy an industry giant that can’t stand to see someone else succeed with similar mechanics or themes. This isn’t about justice. This is about market control and punishment for daring to innovate outside of Nintendo’s closed walls.

Why Sony Needs to Step In

Sony, it’s time. Palworld is thriving on your platform. Your players love it. Your store benefits from it. And you have the power and resources to back this game in a way that makes a real difference. If Sony were to step in and support Pocketpair—whether through legal resources, public advocacy, or outright acquisition—it would be a statement.

A statement that says creativity matters. That developers shouldn’t live in fear of litigation for building something fun, something inspired, something new.

Palworld is not a Pokémon clone. It’s a genre evolution. It’s what players have wanted for years: a monster-collection game with modern survival mechanics, base building, co-op play, and true open-world exploration. If Nintendo can’t or won’t deliver that, they shouldn’t be allowed to shut down anyone who does.

The Bigger Problem: Copyright and Trademark Laws Are Broken

What’s happening to Palworld is just a symptom of a larger problem—copyright and trademark law in its current form is outdated and toxic to innovation. These laws were designed to protect creators, not corporations. But today, they’re being weaponized to crush small developers under the weight of legal fees and fear.

When ideas—like monster collecting, elemental creatures, or even gliding with a companion—can be locked up behind vague patents and trademarks, creativity dies. These aren’t stolen characters. These are game mechanics. And if we allow companies to claim ownership over entire genres and gameplay loops, then we’re headed for a future where no one can make anything without permission from the industry’s old guard.

That’s not protection. That’s stagnation.

Time to Push Back

If Sony or any other major player won’t stand up for developers like Pocketpair, then maybe it’s time the players do.

This situation should ignite a movement—not just to support Palworld, but to demand legislative reform. Copyright and trademark laws need to be rewritten for the modern era of digital entertainment. Limit the scope. Limit the duration. And for god’s sake, stop letting companies use them to suffocate competition and bully smaller studios.

If not, then the next Palworld might never be born.

Support Palworld. Support innovation. Demand change.

 

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