Palworld Developer's Unusual Hiring Requirement: True Steam Players...

The Japanese game studio behind the global phenomenon Palworld has implemented a distinctive hiring strategy for its game designers. Pocketpair now requires applicants to submit screenshots of their Steam libraries as a mandatory part of the application process.

This requirement is not merely a formality; it serves as a critical filter. According to the company's leadership, candidates who do not actively use Valve's platform are automatically disqualified from consideration. The practice highlights the studio's deep roots in the PC gaming ecosystem and its commitment to hiring developers who are genuine players of the medium.

For Pocketpair, a candidate's gaming history is a vital part of their professional profile. Takuro Mizobe, the company's CEO, recently detailed the process on social media. Applicants for game designer roles must provide visual proof of their Steam play history.

The screening is strict. Mizobe stated that individuals who have not played any games on the platform are not invited for interviews. "Those who haven't played anything on Steam don't pass the document screening stage," Mizobe explained. This policy ensures that only candidates with a demonstrated history on the platform move forward in the hiring pipeline.

"We basically turn down those who have played zero Steam games."

While the studio encourages applicants to share data from other platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, Steam remains the priority. The company specifically seeks colleagues who are familiar with the unique ecosystem of indie games available primarily on Valve's storefront.

Submitting a library screenshot is only the first step. Once a candidate passes the initial screening, the interview focuses heavily on their gaming habits. Mizobe noted that interviewers question candidates about the top most-played titles in their Steam libraries.

The goal is to assess the applicant's understanding of game design principles. Interviewers ask candidates to explain specific game mechanics, analyze why certain design choices were adopted, and articulate what makes a game stand out within its genre. This approach allows Pocketpair to evaluate a candidate's critical thinking and passion for game development.

Head of Publishing and Communications John "Bucky" Buckley confirmed the intensity of this process. He shared his own experience joining the company, noting he was "grilled" on his knowledge of specific indie titles. This rigorous vetting reinforces the company's culture of hiring true gamers.

"Pocketpair is a company that truly is built by gamers, and our CEO is very adamant to keep it that way."

The emphasis on Steam is deeply rooted in Pocketpair's history. As an indie developer, the studio's primary distribution channel has been Valve's platform. Their breakout hit, Palworld, along with their previous title Craftopia, found its largest audience on Steam.

The platform is also a hub for niche and innovative indie titles that may not be available on consoles. By prioritizing candidates who engage with this content, Pocketpair ensures its team is exposed to a wide variety of design philosophies and mechanics. This exposure is crucial for a studio known for blending genres and creating unique gameplay experiences.

The company's success speaks for itself. Palworld launched in early access in January 2024 and achieved staggering sales figures immediately, moving over 8 million copies in its first six days. The game's popularity led to the formation of a new joint venture, Palworld Entertainment, in partnership with Sony to expand the IP's reach.

Despite ongoing legal challenges, Pocketpair continues to expand the Palworld universe. The studio is currently developing Palworld: Palfarm, an online co-op farming simulation set in the same world. Additionally, a physical Trading Card Game based on the franchise is scheduled for release in June.

The studio is also navigating a high-profile lawsuit filed by Nintendo and The Pokemon Company in September 2024. The legal dispute has seen several developments, including patent revisions and rejections. Pocketpair is working toward the 1.0 release of Palworld while the case continues through the courts.

Through these developments, the company's hiring philosophy remains a core part of its identity. By prioritizing "true Steam players," Pocketpair aims to maintain a culture of passionate gamers driving its creative direction.

Pocketpair's requirement for Steam library screenshots is more than a quirky hiring tactic; it is a reflection of the studio's DNA. As a developer that rose to prominence on PC, the company values a deep, personal connection to the platform and its games.

This strategy ensures that new team members share a common language of game design and a genuine passion for the medium. As Pocketpair navigates legal battles and expands its portfolio, its commitment to hiring from the ranks of dedicated gamers remains a defining characteristic of the studio.