Palworld's Communications Director: CEO Firmly Against Acquisition

Palworld developer Pocketpair made headlines last summer when it entered a strategic partnership with Sony Music Entertainment. The collaboration aimed to extend the Palworld brand into merchandise, music, and other media—further enriching the game’s universe beyond its core gameplay experience. However, some fans misinterpreted the deal as a potential acquisition in disguise. This speculation was further fueled by earlier rumors suggesting that Pocketpair had been in discussions with Microsoft about a possible buyout.

At the time, those acquisition rumors were officially debunked by Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe, who clarified that no such talks were ongoing. Despite this, the idea of a potential acquisition has continued to circulate among fans. With Microsoft having acquired numerous studios in recent years—including several prominent Western studios—and reportedly engaging with Japanese developers, alongside Sony's own aggressive acquisition strategy, it's understandable why many have kept the possibility alive.

So, is Pocketpair likely to be acquired anytime soon? According to John “Bucky” Buckley, the company’s communications director and publishing manager, the chances are extremely slim. During an interview at the Game Developers Conference, Buckley offered a definitive response on the matter:

“Our CEO would never allow it. He’d never allow it. He likes doing his own thing and being his own boss. He doesn’t like people telling him what to do.”

Buckley reiterated this sentiment multiple times, emphasizing how central independence is to Mizobe’s vision for the studio. He added that while a sale might theoretically happen someday—perhaps if Mizobe retires or decides to step back—he personally finds the idea improbable within his own professional lifetime.

“I would be shocked,” he said. “Maybe when he’s old, and he might just sell it off for money. And that would be sad, but in my lifetime, I probably won't see it.”

He also touched on the evolving direction of the Palworld IP, noting that while Pocketpair remains deeply involved in shaping the game itself, broader brand extensions are now largely managed by Aniplex and Sony Music. Pocketpair continues to provide input, but the larger creative direction of the franchise outside of gaming is increasingly in the hands of these partners.

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In our full conversation, Buckley and I also explored topics such as the possibility of Palworld launching on the Nintendo Switch 2, the team’s thoughts on the game being described as “Pokémon with guns,” and more. You can read the complete interview here.