Last summer, Palworld developer Pocketpair entered into an agreement with Sony Music Entertainment to create merchandise, music, and other products based on the Palworld universe. While this deal simply aimed to expand Palworld's reach beyond gaming, many fans misinterpreted it as signaling an impending acquisition – particularly after earlier rumors suggested Pocketpair was negotiating with Microsoft for that very reason.

Palworld CEO Takuro Mizobe later clarified these acquisition talks were unfounded at the time, though they certainly sparked discussions. Since then, speculation about potential acquisitions has continued swirling among fans, especially given Microsoft's aggressive AA studio purchases in recent years alongside its reported Japanese developer outreach, and Sony's own strategic acquisitions in response.

Will Pocketpair ever be acquired? Ultimately, the decision rests with Mizobe. When I asked communications director John 'Bucky' Buckley about this possibility at last month's Game Developers Conference, he strongly dismissed any acquisition likelihood.

"Our CEO would never allow it," Buckley emphasized. "He'd never allow it. He'd never allow it. He would never, never allow it. He values his independence and creative freedom. He absolutely won't tolerate being told what to do."

Buckley elaborated further: "So I would be shocked. Maybe decades from now, if he decides to cash out during retirement – though that would be disappointing. But realistically, I doubt I'll see it happen in my lifetime. It'll be fascinating to see how both paths develop. At Pocketpair, we're solely focused on the gaming side. While we're involved with Palworld as an IP, Aniplex and Sony Music currently helm those broader initiatives – we primarily provide guidance as they steer that ship."

During our conversation, Buckley also addressed potential Palworld releases on Nintendo Switch 2, the studio's response to the "Pokemon with guns" comparisons, and other topics in our comprehensive interview. You can read the complete discussion here.