Following the immense success of its viral game Palworld, Pocketpair has ventured into a new domain: publishing indie games. The company's inaugural project is an unnamed horror game from Surgent Studios, developers of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This strategic move comes at a time when smaller studios face significant challenges in securing funding and greenlighting projects. Pocketpair aims to support innovative creators and bring unique ideas to life, starting with this collaboration.

Supporting Indie Developers Amid Industry Challenges

Pocketpair’s decision to establish a publishing division reflects the growing need for financial and logistical support within the gaming industry. With the rise in competition and the increasing difficulty for indie developers to secure backing, companies like Pocketpair are stepping in to bridge this gap. John Buckley, head of Pocketpair Publishing, emphasizes the importance of nurturing untapped talent and creative concepts that might otherwise remain unrealized.

The video game landscape has seen several notable studios struggle with funding issues. Among Us developer Innersloth recently made a similar move into publishing, highlighting the broader trend of established companies supporting smaller teams. For Surgent Studios, this partnership marks a crucial turning point after facing funding challenges following the release of Zau. By joining forces with Pocketpair, Surgent can now focus on developing its next title without the burden of financial uncertainty. Abubakar Salim, founder of Surgent Studios, expressed excitement about collaborating with Pocketpair’s new publishing wing, confident that this venture will breathe new life into their projects.

A New Direction in Horror Gaming

This upcoming horror game represents a departure from Surgent Studios' previous work, offering players an entirely fresh experience. Unlike the Afrofuturistic themes explored in Zau, this new title delves into the unsettling realm of horror, tapping into primal human emotions. Salim describes the genre as one that immerses audiences in a reality removed from their own, yet resonates deeply with them. The game is described as "short and weird," promising a unique and intense experience that mirrors the current intensity of the world.

Details about the game remain scarce, but the collaboration between Pocketpair and Surgent Studios suggests a commitment to innovation and creativity. Despite the legal challenges faced by Pocketpair following a copyright infringement lawsuit from Nintendo, Surgent remains unfazed. Salim reassures that the studio is focused on bringing this intriguing horror game to fruition, leveraging Pocketpair’s resources and expertise. As both companies embark on this new journey, they aim to redefine what it means to create compelling and memorable gaming experiences.