As Nintendo Palworld lawsuit continues, former Capcom dev advises not buying the game
Many gamers have condemned Nintendo’s ongoing legal proceedings against Pocketpair. Critics view the Palworld lawsuit for patent infringement as an abuse of the company’s immense power. However, Nintendo is not without its supporters, at least among industry veterans. In a recent video, former Capcom developer Yoshiki Okamoto defends the gaming giant.
Okamoto worked on numerous high-profile Capcom games, including Street Fighter 2, Dino Crisis, and Resident Evil 2. He believes that buyers should steer clear of Palworld. Nintendo accuses it of stealing in-game mechanics from Pokémon titles. Okamoto explains that the Pocketpair title is “currently a game that’s being sued, so it’s unacceptable”. Adding to his strong stance against Palworld, he says, the game “crossed a line that should not be crossed”.
The former developer and producer thinks that games like Palworld set a dangerous precedent. Studios could copy other Nintendo games and make minor tweaks, rather than invent new concepts. He also warns against generative AI as a technology that produces these copycats. Nintendo legends like Shigeru Miyamoto have also implied the company doesn’t encourage developers to use AI.
Okamoto's comments spark outrage from Palworld supporters
Not surprisingly, in the replies below the YouTube videos, most gamers disagree with Okamoto. Some viewers argue that accusations of patent infringement are not proof of wrongdoing. Many of Nintendo’s claims also seem dubious, since other titles feature similar creature-hunting gameplay. A recent patent filing aims to prevent competitors from summoning and mounting creatures altogether.
The influential ex-Capcom figure may change his recommendation in the future. He expects that Pocketpair will agree to a settlement with Nintendo to end the Palworld lawsuit. In that scenario, fans can consider playing a game that doesn’t abuse existing patents. Nevertheless, it doesn’t seem like Okamoto has much interest in the title himself.
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