Pocketpair, the Japanese developer behind the smash-hit Palworld, has launched Pocketpair Publishing, a new division focused on supporting indie game developers and small studios. This move builds on the success of Palworld, which sold over 4 million copies in just three days. The new division will offer funding, development assistance, and publishing opportunities to emerging creators.

The first project from Pocketpair Publishing is a partnership with UK-based Surgent Studios, the team behind Tales of Kenzera: Zau. Financial struggles had forced Surgent to lay off staff and halt game development, but this collaboration is set to revive the studio’s next project: a “short and weird” horror game, expected to release in late 2025.

Pocketpair Publishing adopts a “hands-off” approach, empowering developers while avoiding restrictive conditions. John “Bucky” Buckley, Publishing Manager of Pocketpair Publishing, shared:

“We’re excited to support Surgent Studios’ new title as our first project. We admire their original ideas and passion and are honored to help them bring their vision to life. We respect developers’ autonomy and aim to collaborate to create great games for global audiences. Our goal is to help more creators achieve their dreams through Pocketpair Publishing.”

I am very excited, and nervous, to announce Pocketpair Publishing!

Also, personal news…
I am now the Communications Director and Publishing Manager at Pocketpair!

BIG things coming…we’ve been working on this for so long!

Stay tuned for MORE! https://t.co/UVe7ftuBPr

— Bucky | Palworld (@Bucky_cm) January 23, 2025

Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim added:

“We noticed a pattern in the entertainment industry, and Pocketpair gave us the chance to create a horror game exploring it. Both Surgent and Pocketpair are open to taking risks. This game will be short and weird, and we’re confident players will be interested in our story.”

While Surgent continues discussions for further projects in the Tales of Kenzera universe, this will be a standalone title—marking a significant step in their creative journey.

This is the energy I want to see driving games in 2025—developers lifting each other up, creating together, and pushing the industry forward.

Massive love to the Pocketpair team! It’s an incredible honor to be the first partnership announced with @PocketpairPBLSH We’ve been… https://t.co/DM8Z7Lp4oK

— Abubakar Salim (@Abzybabzy) January 23, 2025

With this new division, Pocketpair joins a growing wave of companies investing in indie games. As the industry faces funding challenges for smaller projects, Pocketpair Publishing’s approach could enable more indie creators to bring their visions to life without compromise.

For more details on Pocketpair Publishing, visit their official page here.