Pickmon faces backlash for striking resemblance to pokémon & palworld

The open-world survival game Pickmon is facing a firestorm of criticism after its launch, with many accusing it of blatant imitation of Pokémon and Palworld. The game, developed by PocketGame, has already generated significant revenue, reportedly $300 million in Taiwan and Vietnam, but the controversy threatens to derail its momentum.

Similarities spark outrage

Since the release of Palworld in 2024, a wave of imitators has emerged, but Pickmon stands out for its overt similarities. Screenshots circulating online highlight creature designs that bear uncanny resemblances to iconic Pokémon like Charizard and Pikachu. The game's Steam page describes a familiar formula: collect creatures, form teams, battle, gather resources, and build bases – a formula previously employed by Pocketpair, the creators of Palworld. However, the inclusion of survival and industrial management elements is a notable addition.

The development studio, PocketGame, established in 2014, has a surprisingly opaque history. While they tout their financial success in Asian markets, details about the company itself remain scarce. This lack of transparency is fueling speculation about the origins of Pickmon's designs.

The situation is particularly sensitive given the ongoing patent infringement lawsuit filed by The Pokémon Company against Pocketpair. If The Pokémon Company chooses to pursue legal action against Pickmon, it wouldn’t be entirely unexpected. The game's sudden appearance, coupled with its visual similarities, has ignited a wave of online mockery, with some suggesting the studio may have even repurposed concept art and fan creations.

PocketGame has not yet responded to requests for comment. But online reaction suggests a level of frustration within the gaming community. The potential legal ramifications are significant, especially considering the precedent set by the Palworld case. The game’s future hinges on howThe Pokémon Company chooses to respond.