Nintendo Sues "Pokémon with Guns" Video Game Firm

Nintendo and its partner, The Pokémon Company, have filed a lawsuit against the creators of the hit survival adventure game Palworld over alleged patent infringement. Palworld gained the nickname "Pokémon with guns" after its first trailer debuted in 2021, Peter Hoskins and Liv McMahon reported for BBC News.

Despite the controversy, Palworld has been a major success, attracting more than 25 million players within a month of its release. I Image: Pocketpair

Just days after the game's release in January of this year, The Pokémon Company announced it would investigate the copycat claims. Palworld's developer, Pocketpair Inc., acknowledged the lawsuit in a statement and apologized to fans for "any worry or discomfort" caused.

Despite the controversy, Palworld has been a major success, attracting more than 25 million players within a month of its release.

Pocketpair's CEO previously stated that the game had passed legal checks. However, Nintendo is known for vigorously defending its intellectual property and brand.

In a statement posted on their websites, Pokémon said that Palworld "infringes multiple patent rights," adding: "This lawsuit seeks an injunction against infringement and compensation for damages."