Palworld Studio Skips Early Access, Launches Hollow Knight-Like Game at 1.0
▼ Summary
– Never Grave: The Witch and the Curse is Pocketpair’s upcoming game, inspired by Hollow Knight but adding 4-player co-op, base-building, roguelite elements, and enemy possession mechanics.
– Initially planned for early access in late 2023, the game’s release was delayed to early 2024 after a demo was released during Steam Next Fest.
– Following mixed feedback from the demo, Pocketpair postponed the early access launch to focus on improvements.
– The studio has now abandoned early access entirely, opting to release the full 1.0 version of the game instead.
– The demo has been taken offline as Pocketpair prepares for the full release, marking a rare reversal of the typical early access strategy.
Pocketpair, the studio behind the viral hit Palworld, is taking an unexpected approach with their upcoming title Never Grave: The Witch and the Curse. Originally slated for early access, the game will now launch as a full 1.0 release, skipping the phased rollout entirely.
The project, developed by a fresh internal team at Pocketpair, draws clear inspiration from Hollow Knight’s atmospheric world and tight combat. But much like Palworld put its own spin on Pokémon, Never Grave introduces unique mechanics, including four-player cooperative gameplay, base-building elements, and a roguelite structure. One standout feature allows players to possess enemies, reminiscent of Mario Odyssey’s capture mechanic.
Initially announced in 2023, the game was set to debut in early access later that year. However, after delays pushed the timeline to early 2024, Pocketpair released a demo during Steam Next Fest. Player feedback from the demo prompted a major shift in strategy. Rather than iterating through early access updates, the team opted to refine the game behind the scenes and deliver a polished final product.
In a recent Steam update, the developers explained their decision: “After considering player feedback from the demo, we’ve chosen to release Never Grave in its complete form instead of a staged early access launch. Our focus is now on final adjustments to ensure the best possible experience at launch.”
This pivot is unusual in an industry where early access has become a standard pathway for indie studios. Most developers gradually build their games with community input, but Pocketpair appears confident in delivering a finished experience right out of the gate. The move also means the demo has been temporarily removed as the team prepares for the full release.
For players tired of waiting years for early access titles to reach their potential, this decision could be a welcome change. Whether Never Grave lives up to its ambitious vision remains to be seen, but Pocketpair’s willingness to break from convention suggests they’re aiming for something special.
(Source: PCGAMER)
