Since taking the gaming world by storm with the massive success of Palworld, Japanese developer Pocketpair has remained firmly in the spotlight. Even amidst legal battles and the pressure of maintaining a massively popular early-access title, the studio is showing no signs of slowing down in 2026.
If you are wondering what is next for the creators of the controversial yet beloved “Pokémon with guns” survival game, we have rounded up all the latest updates. Here is everything you need to know about Pocketpair’s upcoming projects, recent trademark filings, and the state of their games as of May 2026.
The “Palworld Online” Trademark: Is an MMO Coming?
The biggest news surrounding Pocketpair right now involves a massive hint about the future of their flagship franchise. In late April 2026, Pocketpair filed a new trademark for “Palworld Online”. The trademark was submitted in South Korea on April 24, 2026, and in the United States on April 27, 2026.
Alongside the filing, a brand new logo for “Palworld Online” was also submitted. This move has sparked massive speculation across the gaming community for several reasons:
- Expanded Multiplayer or MMO: While the base game already features up to 4-player co-op and 32-player dedicated servers, fans believe this trademark could signal a shift towards a full-fledged MMO experience or a massive multiplayer expansion.
- Merchandise and AI Hints: The trademark listing covers more than just video game software; it also includes mentions of “toy design,” which could relate to the previously announced Palworld Trading Card Game (TCG) or new physical merchandise. Interestingly, the filing also includes a mention of “Artificial intelligence as a service (AIAAS),” hinting that Pocketpair might be utilizing AI for game development or in-game systems.
- Mobile Release: Some players speculate that the branding might be connected to Palworld Mobile, a version of the game currently being developed in partnership with Krafton.
Pocketpair has not yet officially confirmed if Palworld Online will be a standalone title or simply the official name for the multiplayer component when the game leaves early access.
Palworld 1.0: What to Expect in the 2026 Release
Pocketpair is actively preparing to launch the highly anticipated Palworld 1.0 update sometime in 2026. Moving out of Early Access is a massive milestone, and the development team is promising a comprehensive overhaul of the experience.
John Buckley, Pocketpair’s head of publishing and communications, hyped up the launch during a recent interview. He stated that the studio hopes the 1.0 version will be a game where players can truly “lose yourself in this world”.
Here is what players can expect from the 1.0 launch:
- Massive End-Game Content: Buckley confirmed that a “huge chunk” of end-game content will be added, giving veteran players new challenges and reasons to return.
- Early and Mid-Game Polish: The developers are not just focusing on the end; they are actively working to improve the early game experience and flesh out incomplete mechanics in the middle game to ensure the title offers “something for everyone”.
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The Ongoing Nintendo Lawsuit Status
It is impossible to talk about Pocketpair in 2026 without mentioning the ongoing legal battle with Nintendo. Despite the pressure, Pocketpair continues to defy expectations and push forward with new trademarks and updates.
Recently, Nintendo faced a significant hurdle in their legal strategy. The US Patent Office rejected Nintendo’s “summon character and let it fight” patent after the director ordered it to be re-examined. While Nintendo still has time to appeal this decision, it is an indication that their attempts to monopolize specific game mechanics might be harder to enforce than initially anticipated, giving Pocketpair some breathing room as they develop Palworld 1.0.
What About Craftopia?
Before Palworld, Pocketpair gained recognition for Craftopia, a multiplayer survival action game released in Early Access in September 2020. Craftopia combined elements of hunting, farming, hack-and-slash combat, and complex automation.
While much of the studio’s focus has understandably shifted to their monster-catching hit, Craftopia remains an important part of Pocketpair’s portfolio. The developer built Craftopia to grow with every update, consistently adding new maps, bosses, and mechanics. Though its player base has naturally quieted down since 2020, the studio’s experience building Craftopia’s automation and survival systems clearly laid the groundwork for Palworld’s massive success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Palworld Online” trademark?
In April 2026, Pocketpair filed trademarks for “Palworld Online” in the United States and South Korea. While not officially confirmed as a new game, the filing includes a new logo and references to “Artificial Intelligence as a service” and toy designs, leading many to believe it signals a major multiplayer expansion, an MMO pivot, or branding for the upcoming mobile version.
When will Palworld 1.0 be released?
Pocketpair is officially targeting 2026 for the Palworld 1.0 release. This milestone will mark the game’s transition out of Early Access and is expected to feature a massive amount of new end-game content, as well as significant polish to the early and mid-game experiences.
Is Pocketpair still being sued by Nintendo in 2026?
Yes, the legal battle with Nintendo is ongoing; however, Pocketpair recently saw a favorable development. In early 2026, the US Patent Office rejected a key Nintendo patent related to “summoning and fighting” mechanics, which was a cornerstone of their legal strategy against the studio. Pocketpair continues to develop and expand the franchise while the case proceeds.
Is there a mobile version of Palworld?
Yes, Pocketpair has officially partnered with Krafton to bring Palworld to mobile devices. The “Palworld Online” trademark filed in late April 2026 is widely speculated to be linked to the branding of this mobile project.
What other games has Pocketpair developed?
Before the massive success of Palworld, Pocketpair developed Craftopia, a popular survival-crafting game released in 2020. They are also the creators of Overdungeon and the AI-driven party game AI: Art Impostor.
Will Palworld 1.0 have new Pals?
While a specific count hasn’t been confirmed, the 1.0 update is promised to be a “huge chunk” of new content. Developers have hinted that the full release will provide enough new material for veteran players to “lose themselves” in the world again.