OPINION: From Shield to Sword - Pokémon v Palworld
Image from Patent JP7398425B2
Nintendo's Legal Move Against Palworld
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have taken legal action against the developers of Palworld (Nintendo Press Release). Some view this lawsuit as anti-competitive, as Nintendo alleges the use of patented mechanics similar to those in *Pokémon*.
The Patented Mechanic: Creature Capture
At the heart of the lawsuit is a patent (JP7398425B2) filed by Nintendo, which relates to using a device to capture and later summon creatures. While it may sound like a general game mechanic, the patent goes into specific detail. What’s most striking, though, is the timeline: Palworld was announced to the public in June 2021, and then six months later this patent was filed.
Patenting game mechanics isn’t a new practice. It dates back to the arcade era, where Namco patented the idea of high score screens to protect the industry from bad actors. Yet, Nintendo’s current lawsuit seems to have a different motive: targeting Palworld, a rising indie hit. Claiming a mechanic for 20 years could hinder future iterations and innovation in game design.
The Hypothetical Impact of Patenting Game Mechanics
This legal action raises serious concerns about what could happen if more mechanics were patented.
Minecraft’s Voxel Building: Imagine if Mojang had patented the idea of breaking down a blocky world and using resources to build. Games like Terraria, Core Keeper, or Enshrouded might never have existed.
Cabela’s Hunting Games: If Cabela’s had patented animal tracking mechanics, games like Far Cry and Red Dead Redemption might have been limited in their design.
Konami's Stealth Mechanics: If Konami had patented Metal Gear’s stealth system, we might never have seen Splinter Cell, Assassin's Creed, or Siphon Filter.
Ubisoft's Tower Climbing Mechanic: If Ubisoft had patented their iconic map-revealing towers, open-world games could have been stifled.
Luckily, these scenarios didn’t happen, but the thought that innovation is game design can be halted by the first person to rush to the patent office is worrisome.
A Call for Innovation, Not Litigation
It’s hard not to feel frustrated by this trend. Game design thrives on iteration—developers build on ideas from other games, adding new twists and mechanics. That’s how the medium evolves. Yet, large companies, who have benefitted from this collaborative spirit, are now turning around and trying to lock ideas behind legal barriers. It’s akin to patenting a bike seat and preventing others from using that essential part of a design. If we allow this to continue, the spirit of innovation and creativity that has fueled the industry for decades could be extinguished.
As Palworld heads into what could be a long and arduous legal battle, the gaming community is left to wonder how this lawsuit will shape the future. Will Nintendo and The Pokémon Company succeed in their claims, or will innovation prevail? As of now, the developers of Palworld remain in the dark about which specific patents they’re accused of infringing. Hopefully, as more information surfaces, the case will resolve in a way that supports creativity, not corporate greed. For now, I stand on the side of innovation—and I hope the gaming industry does too.
Conclusion
The legal battle between Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and Palworld raises troubling questions about the future of innovation in game design. While protecting intellectual property is important, the idea of patenting broad mechanics risks stifling creativity, collaboration, and progress within the industry. Historically, some of the most successful games have been built on iterations of ideas, evolving through inspiration and refinement. If patents continue to be used as tools to shut down competition, we may be heading toward a future where the gaming landscape is defined more by legal boundaries than by creative possibilities.
At the end of the day, gaming is a community-driven experience, born out of shared ideas and innovations that push boundaries. It’s a medium that thrives on experimentation, and legal restrictions on core mechanics threaten to cut that creativity short. As gamers, developers, and industry observers, it’s crucial that we continue to advocate for an open and collaborative environment where ideas can flow freely and grow organically.
Now is the time for us, as a community, to support the developers who bring fresh ideas to life. Whether through discussing this case, sharing your thoughts on social media, or simply standing with developers like the team behind Palworld, we need to make our voices heard. Innovation should be celebrated, not stifled. Let’s ensure the future of gaming remains vibrant, creative, and open to all who wish to contribute.
Disclaimer:
This article reflects the personal opinions and interpretations of the author and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a factual or legal statement regarding any parties involved. All legal claims and actions mentioned are based on publicly available information and should not be construed as definitive conclusions. Readers are encouraged to seek official sources or consult legal professionals for more detailed information on the subject.
