Palworld Removes Gliding Feature Amid Nintendo Patent Lawsuit

Palworld developer Pocketpair has been forced to make significant gameplay changes due to an ongoing patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo. Key features removed include the ability to summon Pals by throwing Pal Spheres, which was replaced by a static summon mechanic, and the removal of using Pals as gliders, now requiring players to use a glider item instead. These changes, confirmed in updates v0.3.11 and v0.5.5, reflect Pocketpair's attempts to comply with Nintendo's patents despite frustration from both the developer and the player community. Nintendo's lawsuit specifically targets mechanics reminiscent of those in the Pokémon series, such as summoning creatures and gliding on creatures, though Pocketpair notes that riding flying Pals remains unaffected. The situation highlights broader concerns about patents limiting innovation in game design, with Nintendo's aggressive legal stance drawing criticism for potentially stifling smaller developers. Despite these challenges, Pocketpair remains committed to continuing development and releasing new content for Palworld.