Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, is branching out into publishing, starting with Surgent Studios' next project.

Pocketpair Publishing, a newly established entity, announced on X/Twitter its intention to support a new horror game from Surgent Studios, the team behind the April 2022 debut title, Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This upcoming horror title will be a standalone project, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe.

Abubakar Salim, CEO of Surgent Studios, explained the collaboration, stating that the game will be a concise, unconventional horror experience inspired by industry trends. He highlighted the shared risk-taking approach of both Surgent and Pocketpair. While further Tales of Kenzera projects are under discussion, this new game will serve as a distinct stepping stone for Surgent Studios. No release date or title has been revealed. This project is separate from Surgent Studios' previously announced Project Uso.

Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking proposals from other developers, emphasizing a collaborative approach that prioritizes developer autonomy and creative vision. They aim to provide a supportive environment, minimizing development hurdles and empowering creators to realize their ambitions.

John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, underscored the company's passion for games and their commitment to fostering a positive development ecosystem. He expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Surgent Studios, emphasizing their respect for the studio's unique vision.

Salim, also a notable actor (known for roles in Assassin's Creed Origins, House of the Dragon, and Tales of Kenzera: Zau), expressed his honor in being Pocketpair Publishing's inaugural partner, viewing the collaboration as a positive step for the gaming industry in 2025.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a single-player Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a 7/10 rating from IGN. Despite positive critical reception, Surgent Studios faced financial challenges, including layoffs and redundancy notices in July and October respectively. The partnership with Pocketpair Publishing offers significant support during this difficult period.

Meanwhile, Pocketpair continues to navigate a patent infringement lawsuit filed by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, following Palworld's commercially successful launch.