Palworld Studio Unveils New Game: "Tales of Kenzera"

Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, expands into publishing, partnering with Surgent Studios for a new horror title.

Pocketpair Publishing, a newly established branch of Pocketpair, announced on X/Twitter its first publishing venture: a unique horror game from Surgent Studios, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This new project will be a standalone title, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe, though further collaborations within that universe are under discussion.

Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim, also known for his acting roles (including Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins), described the upcoming game as "short and weird," reflecting both studios' willingness to take creative risks. While details remain scarce – no release date or title has been revealed – Salim expressed excitement about the partnership and the collaborative spirit it represents.

Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking out new development partnerships, emphasizing a hands-off approach that prioritizes developer autonomy and creative vision. John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting developers and fostering a positive creative environment.

This collaboration comes at a pivotal time for Surgent Studios, which faced layoffs and funding challenges earlier this year. The partnership with Pocketpair Publishing offers significant support and stability. Meanwhile, Pocketpair continues to navigate a patent infringement lawsuit filed by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a positive reception, although its commercial success was limited. The new horror game represents a significant step forward for both studios, promising a unique and intriguing experience for players.