Palworld Wins Four Steam Awards 2025
Generally, I Think people are really excited about Palworld. Obviously, the game is getting alot of attention, and it secured four nominations in Steam’s Best of 2025 Awards, including second place for the most played game, which is pretty cool. Normally, games that are still in early access dont get this much recognition, but Palworld has been around for two years and is still going strong.
Awards Overview
Usually, I dont pay much attention to awards, but Palworld took home four awards, which is a big deal: Silver for Most Played and Most Played on Steam Deck, and Bronze for Top Seller and Best Controller Game. Apparently, the official Palworld X account expressed gratitude to the fans and hinted at upcoming news, stating they are working hard on the official release of Palworld 1.0 this year, so thats something to look forward to. Hopefully, the game will continue to do well.
Awards Overview
Often, I wonder what makes a game successful, and in the case of Palworld, it seems like the developers are doing something right. Currently, the game is still in early access, but it has already achieved so much, and the team is preparing to add a lot of new content, similar to the seasonal updates released so far. For instance, the 2024 winter update added a new island, resources, and mechanics, which was a nice surprise for players.
Release Plans & Upcoming Content
Naturally, players are eager to know when the full release of Palworld will happen, and according to the developers, it is planned for 2026. Before the holidays, the developers announced they were taking a step back from community involvement to focus on fixing bugs before the launch, which is a good idea. In addition to bug fixes, the team is preparing to add new content, which will likely include new islands, resources, and mechanics, similar to the seasonal updates released so far.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Unfortunately, Palworld is still facing an ongoing copyright lawsuit with Nintendo, which is a major challenge for the developers. Normally, lawsuits can be a big distraction, but the team remains focused on delivering a great game. Nintendo is seeking to remove mechanics from Palworld that it believes imitate those in Pokémon, which could impact the game’s development. Last year, the developers had to patch out a mechanic that allowed players to glide with certain Pals, changing it so that players must use a glider to glide, which was a significant change.
Developer’s Perspective
Fortunately, the developers remain positive despite the challenges they are facing. Bucky, Palworld’s communications director, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, saying: “Two years later and we’re still humbled by our community’s endless support and kindness. Thank you so, so, so much, Palworld games. Not bad for a dead game!!” Generally, it is great to see developers who are passionate about their game and appreciate their community.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, Palworld’s success in Steam’s Best of 2025 Awards is a testament to its enduring popularity and the dedication of its developers. Despite facing challenges, including the ongoing lawsuit with Nintendo, the team remains focused on delivering a great game. With the full release planned for 2026 and new content on the horizon, Palworld’s future looks bright, and I am excited to see what the developers have in store for players. Normally, I would say that the game’s success is well-deserved, and I think most players would agree.
