AlthoughPalworld’s early access launch was immensely successful, some fans were concerned that the game wouldn’t receive consistent updates after its release. Pocketpair, the independent Japanese developer behind the game, didn’t exactly have a great track record when it came to post-launch support. One of the company’s prior titles,Craftopia, had been in early access for several years at the time, and still hadn’t received a full release. In addition to this, others believed thatPalworldwas going to be nothing more than a passing fad, and that even though Pocketpair had repeatedly expressed its intent to support the game for years to come, it would ultimately fall by the wayside.
Thankfully, most of the initial concerns and skepticism surroundingPalworldhave been put to rest. The game has not only maintained its popularity, but it’s continued to receive major new updates at a consistent cadence. Just last month, Pocketpair addeda large new region toPalworldcalled Feybreak, alongside a plethora of new Pals, weapons, and gameplay mechanics. Later this year, the studio also plans to add co-op crossplay, a final boss, and even an ending scenario to the game. Although this content roadmap does sound exciting, Pocketpair should consider taking things to the next level by adding aWitcher 3-inspired minigame toPalworldbefore it leaves early access.
Pocketpair Should Add a Gwent-Like Card Game to Palworld
Considering how different the two games are, some may find the notion ofPalworldtaking inspiration fromThe Witcher 3a little ridiculous. The former is, after all, an open world,creature-collecting survival gamewith little-to-no story, while the latter is a dark, narrative-driven medieval fantasy RPG. Even though they share very little in common, there is one feature fromThe Witcher 3that wouldn’t feel too out of place inPalworld, and that’s Gwent.
Gwent is a Popular Card Game from The Witcher Series That Has Spawned Multiple Spin-Offs
Gwent, for those who don’t know, is a card game that was first introduced inThe Witchernovels by Andrzej Sapkowski, and was turned intoa playable minigame inThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The game, which can only be played by two people, has players command armies and compete against each other in one-on-one duels. To defeat their opponent, they must use the cards they have to perform combos and execute precise combat strategies. Once both players have no more cards left to play, the one who has the most cards left on the playing field usually wins.
Gwent may be too convoluted for some gamers' tastes, but it is still incredibly popular amongThe Witchercommunity. The card game has become so successful, in fact, that it’s spawned three spin-offWitchergames. CD Projekt Red, the developer ofThe Witcher 3, releaseda standalone free-to-play version of Gwentfor all modern systems (excluding the Nintendo Switch) in 2018. It then made two singleplayer expansions for the game calledThronebreaker: The Witcher TalesandGwent: Rogue Mage, which were sold individually and launched on different platforms.
A Palworld Card Game Could Be a Big Boon for Pocketpair
Considering the success that CD Projekt Red found with Gwent, it would be wise for Pocketpair to add a card game toPalworld, as well. The hit survival game already shares a lot of creature-collecting DNA withthePokemon Trading Card Game, so a minigame similar to it would fit perfectly in its world. If this potential card game were to become popular, Pocketpair could develop several standalonePalworldspin-offs inspired by it, just like what CD Projekt Red did with Gwent. This way, the studio could make both singleplayer and multiplayer expansions for the game, and even sell merchandise based off of it.
Palworld
WHERE TO PLAY
In this game, you’re able to peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals or risk your life to drive off a ruthless poaching syndicate. Pals can be used to fight and breed, or they can be made to work on farms or factories. You can even sell them or eat them.Survival: In a harsh environment where food is scarce and vicious poachers roam, danger waits around every corner. To survive, you must tread carefully and make difficult choices…even if that means eating your own Pals when the time comes.Mounts & Exploration: Pals can be mounted to traverse the land, sea and sky—allowing you to traverse all kinds of environment as you explore the world.Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!
