Palworld dev isn’t impressed by "so-called" AAA, prefers indies since they "include the kind of systems you can’t find in other games": "AAA titles are overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity"

1. Games
2. Survival Games
3. Palworld

Palworld dev isn’t impressed by "so-called" AAA, prefers indies since they "include the kind of systems you can’t find in other games": "AAA titles are overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity" News By George Young published 28 November 2025

It's obvious why Palworld's publishing arm has so many small games

Comments (0) ()

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Pocketpair)

Pocketpair's publishing manager, John 'Bucky' Buckley, has discussed his preference for indies over AAA games, saying that big-budget titles are "overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity" and that he doesn't "have much interest in their gameplay mechanics," admitting that he hasn't really touched them.

In an interview with 4gamer about the publishing arm of the Palworld developer, Bucky discusses his gaming preferences, showing a clear inclination for indie games over AAA titles. As translated by GamesRadar+, "I usually play indie games," Bucky says. "I play a lot of different indies, even smaller games, but I haven't really touched so-called AAA titles."

Pocketpair focuses its publishing on small projects like pixel-art, puzzle RPG Cassette Boy, and Game Boy-style horror game Normal Fishing. The publishing arm recently announced Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse at this month's State of Play, a roguelike and metroidvania, which is one of the more ambitious games in its portfolio.

You may like

• "'I’ve never seen this kind of game before'": Ex PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida says AAA devs stick to a "proven formula" while indies are "always" the ones to explore something new
• God of War Ragnarok lead says AAA studios should "diversify into double-A and single-A, and then perhaps indie" even if blockbuster releases result in "potentially really large" payoffs
• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 director says AAA-sized "scope and budget" might have made it worse, actually, because "not artificially padding out the game time excessively" was key to the RPG's success

"Indie games have so many interesting mechanics and different styles of gameplay," Bucky says. "I think AAA titles are overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity, and that's great. But I personally don't have much interest in their gameplay mechanics. On the other hand, recent indie games are incredibly unique, and often include the kind of systems you can't find in other games."

Bucky admits that his affection for indie games has a lot to do with his preferred style of play. "The way I like to play games, once I've finished playing something, I want the next game to be something completely different," Bucky explains. "I like to keep jumping between different genres, which means I think indie games make more sense for me."

Variety is the spice of life, but I think the AAA scene has more than a few delightfully unique gems.

This stunning 2D roguelike with Hollow Knight vibes is the latest indie being published by Palworld developer's publishing arm, and it even includes 4-player online co-op.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. CATEGORIES Xbox Series X PS5 Nintendo Switch 2 PC Gaming Platforms Xbox PlayStation Nintendo George YoungSocial Links NavigationFreelance News Writer

Freelance writer, full-time PlayStation Vita enthusiast, and speaker of some languages. I break up my days by watching people I don't know play Pokemon pretty fast.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more "'I’ve never seen this kind of game before'": Ex PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida says AAA devs stick to a "proven formula" while indies are "always" the ones to explore something new    God of War Ragnarok lead says AAA studios should "diversify into double-A and single-A, and then perhaps indie" even if blockbuster releases result in "potentially really large" payoffs    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 director says AAA-sized "scope and budget" might have made it worse, actually, because "not artificially padding out the game time excessively" was key to the RPG's success    As Palworld gears up for another indie collab, dev says "it's a dream come true to be trusted by the developers of our favorite games" and the Terraria and Ultrakill crossovers happened because "we like them"    You can use "a tenth" of the AAA "$400 million budget" and still get "not so different results" if you do it right, RuneScape CEO says: "We've seen that from Clair Obscur and a bunch of others"    Palworld dev's new publishing label isn't interested in AI slop: "If you're big on AI stuff ... we're not the right partner for that"    Latest in Survival Games Hytale early access release date set for January 2026 just weeks after it's reacquired by original founders, following 5 years and cancellation at Riot: "If you don’t feel comfortable pre-ordering, please don't"    Palworld publisher vows to "keep leveraging" the success of the survival game to "help cool people make cool games," like this fantasy looter-shooter made by a small team    Well darn, Hello Games' Sean Murray says the team working on No Man's Sky follow-up Light No Fire is "tiny" and working "in the background"    After miracle revival, Hytale head "now assembling a dedicated team" to satisfy fans of a key genre that's only grown since the Minecraft-inspired game's reveal: cozy and farming games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing    Palworld gets a nod of approval from No Man's Sky lead as Pocketpair devs celebrate "both Steam ratings" finally becoming overwhelmingly positive: "We'll keep on trying our best"    Palworld lead gently reminds players the next update is not "massive," since "mammoth sized 1.0" is still a long way off: "I think you've misunderstood"    Latest in News Palworld dev isn’t impressed by "so-called" AAA, prefers indies since they "include the kind of systems you can’t find in other games": "AAA titles are overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity"    Demon Slayer's Tanjiro actor and manga diehard says Infinity Castle sequel fights could surpass the Akaza showdown: "It's gonna blow some minds, for sure"    GTA 6 might've won the "Most Wanted Game" award at the Golden Joysticks, but The Witcher 4 wasn't far behind    Police confirm Arc Raiders fan got a visit from officers in real life after a concerned motel guest heard him plead for a revive: "I got shot, please get me up!"    Quentin Tarantino says The Hunger Games "ripped off" Battle Royale and fans clap back: "He would know – his entire career is built on ripping off other IPs"    "Hope is not lost" for Assassin's Creed Shadows to follow Mirage's lead and add the fan-favorite manual jump in a post-launch update    GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1. 1Escape from Tarkov review: "An extraction shooter that will make you truly miserable if you let it, but can offer dizzying highs you won't find elsewhere"
2. 2Fans think this is the best strategy board game ever made, and I have to admit that they've got a point
3. 3Constance review: "If Hollow Knight: Silksong seems too daunting, this wonderful paint powered adventure should do nicely"
4. 4This enthralling team board game is perfect for playing with family this Thanksgiving
5. 5Kirby Air Riders review: "This racer is also equal parts fighting game, minigame collection, and roguelike – and I'm shocked at how well that works"

1. 1Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review: "Brings Knives Out back to its roots for a sequel that's almost on a par with the original"
2. 2Wicked: For Good review: "Builds to an incredibly cathartic conclusion, but isn't quite as captivating as Part 1"
3. 3The Running Man review: "Some fun action and Glen Powell's star power aren't enough to energize this disappointing Stephen King adaptation"
4. 4Predator: Badlands review: "Die-hard fans may be disappointed, but as a blockbuster action-adventure, Badlands kills it"
5. 5Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review "Storytelling just as compelling as the chainsaws, devils, and visually excessive fight scenes"

1. 1Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 review: “Can the Duffer brothers stick the landing? It’s sure looking like they will”
2. 2Pluribus season 1 review: "Easily one of the year's best dramas"
3. 3The Witcher season 4 review: "The Henry Cavill-less fourth season is the best yet"
4. 4IT: Welcome to Derry review: "A supremely confident step back into the history of Stephen King's cursed town and killer clown"
5. 5Splinter Cell: Deathwatch review: "A pale imitation of the long-dormant stealth franchise"