Palworld Is a Red-Hot Xbox Exclusive – Unlocked 629

Palworld is the hottest game out there right now, and it's an Xbox console exclusive that's also on Game Pass! We welcome in ace IGN contributor and IGN Palworld reviewer Travis "The Tie Guy" Northup to discuss his thoughts on the game after 100 hours. Plus: Xbox Live Arcade-style indie game curation is finally back on Xbox, we discuss a few other big game releases on Xbox this week that aren't named Palworld, and more!

[GamerRN]

It clearly is a hit game right now, but I still think it's trash. I just can't figure out the appeal.

[monkey602]

I dont think this really counts as an exclusive though does it? Playstation have been fairly firm on early access games coming to the store and the developer has expressed interest in bring this to the PS5.

[Neonridr]

it's most certainly a console exclusive. The developer says they will look into it down the road. That could be 12 months from now for all we know.

[Exvalos]

Sony in this instance may want to rethink there strategy before Microsoft swoops in and buys them out for full exclusivity

[Kyizen]

It is early access though not even fully launched yet

[EvertonFC]

More like 6 months

[Vengeance1138]

@exvalos

Devs would literally never allow that, very few people play it on Xbox compared to Steam and would cost a ridiculous amount for MS.

[Lightning77]

It's typical IGN fanbating PC subverting head line. If a popular PC game is on Xbox or a PS they'll make it seem like it's only on those consoles to promote said consoles. IGN is a console first, PC second outlet.

[Angyobangyo]

But it is exclusive by that fact it is only available on one console system. That by definition is an exclusive. I don't get these mental gymnastics people do to invalidate what something is / isn't or should / shouldn't be.

[Vengeance1138]

If Palworld counts as an Xbox exclusive then Baldur's Gate 3 was a PS5 exclusive. Same logic.

[Neonridr]

except one was actively in development for the other system. Palworld has no plans to be on Playstation anytime soon. Wouldn't exactly compare the two situations as the same.

[Vengeance1138]

Which is purely because PlayStation does not allow Early Access on their platform. The moment the game exits EA, it'll arrive on PS shortly after.
Xbox has no exclusive deal with Palworld just like Sony had no deal with Baldur's Gate.

[franwex]

More like final fantasy 16 bro.

[Angyobangyo]

For a limited time BG3 was and now it's not simply because one system didn't have it. My guess is you think exclusivity means publishers or devs have to sign deals so that their titles only appear on one system. Keep moving dem goal posts.

Until Palworld gets a PS release it will be an Xbox exclusive! Gamers, especially diehard ponies are angry because suddenly an early access title has blown up to be more than just some pokemon ripoff, and also available on Xbox makes them annoyed.

[DivineHand125]

Baldurs gate 3 already released on Xbox last year. A PS5 version of Palworld isn't even on the developers roadmap. The game is an Xbox console exclusive.

[Vengeance1138]

Just like how BG3 was PlayStation "console exclusive" after releasing 4 months late on Xbox. Where could you play Baldur's Gate 3 when it first launched? Not on Xbox that's for sure.
Same logic, my point is proven. ;)

[gold_drake]

is it an exclusive tho?

i feel like we use the term so loosely nowadays that we dont even know what it means anymore haha.

[Angyobangyo]

But if it was the other way around this discussion on this site would be saying it would be. The fact that MS allows early access titles is the only reason why people are suddenly saying, "does it really count as an exclusive?"

[gold_drake]

what?
early access had nothing to do wkth it. get a grip, jesus.

[shaenoide]

It's not really an exclusive. Sony don't allow early access game.

[Angyobangyo]

That's Sony's problem then. Since when do other companies have to play by their rules?

[Destiny1080]

according to digital foundry the game runs like a joke on xbox, muddy textures / horrendous framerate / horrendous Pop-in / the game crashes more then forza drivers / more bugs then a wildlife documentary

[DivineHand125]

I have been playing the game on Xbox since last monday and it has only crashed once. The game is in early access so there are some annoying bugs you will come across from time to time but it is not a dumpster fire. There is still enjoyment to be had as at the end of the day, it is the same game people are enjoying on Steam.

[Elda]

It's solely on a XB gaming console due to XB having "early access" on its platform, while PS doesn't. As an XBSX owner I don't see Palworld, it's not my cup of tea.

[Hofstaderman]

Its an exclusive? I thought Steam has the vast majority of engagement numbers?

[UltimateOwnage]

Not an exclusive. It’s early access, and also on PC. Once, and if it can even make it out of EA it will be on everything.

[Travesty]

Is IGN hurting for clicks or just being paid?

[franwex]

At this point Microsoft can pay for exclusive rights after it blew up like this…

But they are so short sighted that they probably won’t. lol.

[EvertonFC]

There is a reason Sony and Nintendo are market leaders, they dont put out early access games.

[franwex]

You know after a game like this blows up, they could change policy. It’s been hugely popular on steam and Balders gate 3 is good due to early access.

[EvertonFC]

I just think sony and Nintendo know there gamers expect more complete games before launch.
It'll be on switch and PS no doubt in a year

[franwex]

But games on Sony and Nintendo platforms have released as finished games, while not being finished at all. A 1st party example from Nintendo being Pokemon-the game that is in primary comparison to Palworld. And Nintendo released it as a full price game, not as early access. So I disagree that Sony and Nintendo don’t allow-the loophole is that developers can simply say it’s finished and will patch later. At least they are being straightforward with early access as gamers can play at their own risk. I think it is possible that they change their stance later as gamers are being informed up front about the state of the game.