In a recent article posted on Note.com by Palworld developer Takuro Mizobe, the team’s struggles during the game’s development were laid bare. Mizobe revealed concerns that financial ruin loomed during the project, highlighting the immense pressure the team faced. In fact, the team did not know if the game would go bankrupt after the Early Access release.
The article found by Insider-Gaming delves into the challenges encountered, including technical hurdles and resource constraints. Mizobe acknowledges the team’s inexperience, attributing it to Palworld being their first major project. This, coupled with the game’s ambitious scope, fueled anxieties about reaching a successful launch.
Financial instability posed a significant threat, with Mizobe admitting the possibility of bankruptcy at one point. He expresses gratitude for the team’s unwavering dedication and the community’s early support, crediting these factors as crucial in overcoming these obstacles.
“The most obvious upper limit would be the limit at which the company would go bankrupt. Of course, you can borrow money, but let’s think about that when the balance in your bank account becomes zero. The budget limit is initially until the balance in your bank account reaches zero. You can borrow money when it reaches zero. In that case, do you need to manage your budget? No, all you have to do is borrow money or release money just before the company goes bankrupt and your account balance drops to zero.”
Takuro Mizobe (Translated by Google Translate)
They spent a billion yen, which ended up being USD 6.5 million, according to Insider-Gaming. Still, the game has likely more than recuperated those costs since it’s sold millions of units already.
Despite the hardships, Mizobe ended the note on a positive note. He shared the team’s immense pride in Palworld’s release and expressed sincere appreciation for the players who embraced the game. The note serves as a poignant reminder of the determination and resilience required to navigate the often treacherous waters of game development.
It’s important to note that Mizobe’s note does not delve into specific details regarding the technical challenges or financial figures. However, it offers a candid glimpse into the very real anxieties and pressures faced by game developers, particularly those undertaking ambitious projects with limited resources. It’s something we tend not to think about as players.
