Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, is branching out into publishing with its new venture, Pocketpair Publishing. Their first project will be a new horror game from Surgent Studios, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This upcoming title will be a standalone project, unrelated to the Tales of Kenzera universe, although further collaborations within that universe are being discussed.

Surgent Studios CEO Abubakar Salim, also known for his acting roles (including Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins), described the new game as "short and weird," reflecting both studios' willingness to take creative risks. While no title or release date has been announced, the project is expected to be some time in development. This new horror game is also distinct from Surgent Studios' previously announced Project Uso.

Pocketpair Publishing is actively seeking out new development partnerships, emphasizing a hands-off approach that respects developer autonomy and creative vision. John Buckley, Head of Pocketpair Publishing, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting creators and easing the challenges of game development. He expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Surgent Studios, praising their originality and passion.

Salim expressed his excitement about the collaboration, viewing it as a positive example of industry collaboration and mutual support.

The partnership comes at a crucial time for Surgent Studios, which recently faced layoffs and funding difficulties. The support from Pocketpair Publishing is expected to be significant in helping them navigate these challenges. Meanwhile, Pocketpair continues to navigate its own legal battle with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo over a patent infringement lawsuit. Despite this, their expansion into publishing demonstrates their continued growth and ambition within the gaming industry. Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a Metroidvania game exploring themes of grief and love, received a positive reception (7/10 from IGN), but its commercial success was limited.