Palworld Publisher Pocketpair Won't Hire You if You Can't Prove You're a Gamer.
Pocketpair, the indie-turned-powerhouse studio behind the survival sensation Palworld, has introduced a strict hiring rule for game designers that demands proof of serious Steam playtime through library screenshots. CEO Takuro Mizobe shared details on the process via X, explaining how it weeds out applicants early and ensures new hires bring real gaming insight to the team.
Here’s the TL;DR...
Pocketpair mandates Steam screenshots: Game designer candidates must submit images of their Steam libraries and playtime; zero Steam activity means an automatic resume rejection.
Interview deep dives: Applicants break down mechanics from their top-played games, discussing design choices and genre distinctions.
Console play counts too, but Steam rules: Heavy PS5 or Xbox users can include those stats, yet the focus stays on Steam for indie exposure.
Tied to Palworld’s roots: The requirement reflects how the team’s broad gaming experience fueled Palworld‘s success, with full release slated for 2026.
Unconventional in Japan: This approach stands out among Japanese developers but echoes similar views from industry figures like CyberConnect2‘s CEO.
Pocketpair’s Game Designer Applicants Must Submit Steam Library Screenshots to Advance
Candidates eyeing a game designer role at Pocketpair face an upfront hurdle. The studio asks for screenshots showing Steam playtime history right at the application stage. Mizobe stated on X that anyone without Steam experience gets passed over during initial screening.
This step filters for dedicated gamers. Pocketpair, starting as a small Steam indie outfit, values staff who dive into platform-exclusive titles. Mizobe noted that colleagues should engage with indie games unique to Steam, aligning with the company’s evolution from Craftopia to Palworld.
Why Does Pocketpair Prioritize Steam Playtime in Hiring Game Designers?
The requirement goes beyond checking boxes. In interviews, applicants analyze their most-played Steam titles. They explain game systems, speculate on why developers chose specific mechanics, and highlight what sets a game apart in its genre.
Mizobe emphasized this tests “sensibilities as game designers,” a term often translated as “game planners” in Japan. It ensures hires contribute meaningfully, drawing from personal playthroughs. Pocketpair’s own success with Palworld stemmed from the team’s hands-on time with games like ARK: Survival Evolved, Minecraft, and Valheim.
While Steam takes priority, Mizobe welcomes proof from other platforms. Applicants with extensive PS5 or Xbox hours can submit those details. Still, zero Steam games typically lead to rejection.
How Does Pocketpair’s Hiring Practice Compare to Other Japanese Game Developers?
Pocketpair’s method breaks from typical Japanese hiring norms, where resumes and portfolios dominate early stages. Few studios demand platform-specific playtime evidence.
Yet it recalls comments from CyberConnect2 CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama. Years ago, Matsuyama stressed that aspiring developers should own multiple consoles for broad exposure, though his phrasing drew criticism. Mizobe’s focus on Steam echoes that push for varied gaming input without the console mandate.
In a broader context, this reflects indie studios’ emphasis on passion over formal credentials. Pocketpair’s growth—from a tiny team to handling Palworld‘s millions of players—shows why they seek hires who live and breathe games.
What Inspired Pocketpair’s Approach to Game Design in Palworld?
Palworld‘s design drew directly from the team’s extensive playtesting. In a 2024 interview, Mizobe described how they studied titles like Terraria, The Forest, and Rust to blend survival, crafting, and creature collection.
This hands-on philosophy paid off. Palworld sold over 8 million copies in its first week of early access in 2024, blending Pokémon-like elements with gritty survival mechanics. The game’s Pals—creatures players capture, train, and even arm—sparked both praise and controversy for its dark twists on familiar formulas.
Pocketpair continues building on that foundation. Recent updates added crossovers and features, keeping the community engaged amid legal scrutiny from Nintendo over similarities to Pokémon.
When Will Palworld Exit Early Access and Launch Version 1.0?
Pocketpair plans Palworld‘s full release for 2026, marking it as the game’s biggest update yet. A January 2026 Steam announcement promised “several surprises” in 2025, but the team shifted focus to Version 1.0 last fall.
The update will introduce new Pals, expanded endgame content, and refinements based on player feedback. Teasers hint at massive additions, aiming to solidify Palworld‘s place in the survival genre. With over 25 million players to date, expectations run high for this milestone.
Development remains steady despite challenges. Pocketpair ramped up staff post-launch, and this hiring tactic likely helps maintain the creative edge that made Palworld a hit.
Is Requiring Steam Screenshots Fair for Game Designer Job Seekers?
Critics might argue the rule excludes talented designers without Steam access, perhaps due to regional preferences or hardware limits. Japan favors consoles, so Steam-heavy requirements could narrow the applicant pool.
On the flip side, it ensures cultural fit. Pocketpair publishes primarily on Steam and Xbox, with Palworld‘s PC roots central to its identity. Mizobe’s transparency on X invites applicants who align with that vision.
Other studios might adopt similar screens as gaming jobs grow competitive. For now, Pocketpair’s stance underscores a simple truth: to make great games, you need to play them extensively.
Pocketpair’s hiring strategy highlights a shift toward experience-driven recruitment in game development. As Palworld gears up for its 2026 launch, the studio’s focus on passionate, well-played hires could inspire more innovative titles. Job seekers take note—building that Steam library might just land you a role shaping the next big survival epic.
Hat Tips
Automaton West, “Palworld developer Pocketpair requires game designer candidates to provide screenshots of their Steam libraries and playtime, according to CEO,” January 23, 2026 https://automaton-media.com/en/news/palworld-developer-pocketpair-requires-game-designer-candidates-to-provide-screenshots-of-their-steam-libraries-and-playtime-according-to-ceo/
IGN, “Palworld Developer Pocketpair Reveals Unusual Hiring Requirement for Its Game Designers: It Wants ‘True Steam Players’,” January 23, 2026 https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-developer-pocketpair-reveals-unusual-hiring-requirement-for-its-game-designers-it-wants-true-steam-players
Takuro Mizobe‘s X post, January 23, 2026
Steam News for Palworld, “Palworld to exit early access and officially release (Ver 1.0) in 2026!,” January 2026 https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1623730/view/689735528964162147
Article Compiled and Edited by Derek Gibbs on January 23, 2026 for Clownfish TV D/REZZED