Palworld is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about games of 2024. Developed by Pocket Pair, the game launched in January 2024, via early access and quickly impressed fans with its gameplay. The game includes animal-like creatures known as “Pals,” which can be used for a variety of purposes, making it akin to Pokemon.
While the game is already embroiled in controversy with allegations of copying from Pokemon, Palworld now faces another ethical debate because of its gameplay. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has now released a statement highlighting the supposed animal cruelty of the game. Here is what PETA said and how fans are reacting to the statement on social media.
PETA Releases Statement Against Palworld‘s Alleged Animal Cruelty
Palworld is one of the hottest topics in the gaming industry right now for reasons both good and bad. The game’s mechanics and graphics bear some resemblance to Nintendo and Game Freak’s Pokemon, which has resulted in accusations of plagiarism.
On the heel of those accusations, PETA has now blasted the game for supposed animal cruelty. In the game, players control an array of animal-like creatures known as “Pals,” which can be treated in several different ways. They can be used for combat or be butchered for food. As a result, the game’s content has sparked debates regarding animal cruelty.
The animal cruelty debate reached PETA, through Insider Gaming, who reached out to the welfare organization for a comment on the matter. PETA responded by suggesting a vegan alternative to be introduced in the game.
“PETA has already heard from many Palworld fans who have no interest in eating ‘Pals’ and want a vegan guide created for the game. It’s ‘Veganuary’ after all, and gamers want to help animals by eating vegan in their game worlds and outside.”
A PETA spokesperson made the above statement via a press release shared by Insider Gaming. The statement implies PETA is against the game’s alleged animal cruelty. However, the organization did not offer a comment on the game forcing the animal-like creatures into labor and slavery.
Fans Come to the Defence of Palworld on Social Media
The news of PETA’s comment on the animal cruelty accusations against Palworld sparked a flurry of reactions from fans on social media. Most fans defended the game as it is a work of fiction and did not like PETA’s interference in the matter. Here is what fans are saying about PETA’s statement on X.
Hey @peta it's a video game.
— dn1u (@dn1ureal) January 24, 2024
ITS A VIDEO GAME MAN
— leppy (@_1eppy) January 24, 2024
Me eating all the Lamball I can find. pic.twitter.com/4HLpr6Ur09
— Doodbrahh (@Doodbrahh) January 24, 2024
Vegan mode for a video game was not on my bingo sheet.
— Re:animated (@ReanimatedYT) January 24, 2024
They do know palworld is a video game right? 😂😂😂 Peta can’t even tell the difference between reality or fantasy 💀
— Out Of Context Tiktok Babes (@Babesoftiktok_) January 25, 2024
Also Read: Why is Palworld so Divisive? From Plagiarism Concerns to Rabid Fanboys
As the reactions indicate, most fans reminded PETA that Palworld is a video game, implying its content should not be taken seriously. On the other hand, some fans outright mocked PETA for commenting on the supposed animal cruelty in a video game and suggesting vegan options.
You can get early access to Palworld on PCs through Steam, as well as on Xbox One and Xbox Series X.
