Palworld on Xbox
Palworld, the new open-world survival game from Pocketpair, has been making waves since its Early Access launch on Xbox and PC, including Xbox Game Pass. However, players have noticed that the Xbox version is missing certain features present in the Steam edition. In this blog, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this difference and what players can expect moving forward.
Certification Process Delays
One key factor causing the disparity is the certification process imposed by Microsoft for Xbox updates. According to Bucky, Pocketpair’s community manager, updates must go through Microsoft’s certification queue before going live. The studio is working diligently to expedite this process, but it remains a prerequisite for any updates to reach Xbox players.
Version Numbers and Architectural Differences
A common misconception is that the version numbers between Steam and Xbox should match, indicating one platform is lagging. Bucky clarifies that these version differences are due to distinct underlying architectures. Steam and Xbox versions are essentially two different iterations of the game, making identical version numbers unlikely until cross-play compatibility is achieved.
Current Missing Features on Xbox/Microsoft Store
Players on Xbox and Microsoft Store are currently missing several features available on Steam. Palworld is cross paltform xbox These include faster crafting, the ability to craft multiple arrows at once, using Technology Points for Statues of Power (as opposed to Ancient Technology Points), character and Pal renaming options, certain sound effects, higher quality audio, and an exit button to close the game.
Multiplayer Features
Palworld supports multiplayer gameplay right from the start. Players can engage in up to four-player co-op or jump into a 32-player multiplayer realm (exclusive to Steam for now). The game’s focus on cooperation means no player-versus-player elements at launch.
Communication Challenges
To address player concerns, Bucky communicated updates and explanations on Pocketpair’s Discord server. While the information is valuable, some argue that such critical details should be disseminated on larger platforms, such as Twitter, to ensure broader accessibility.
Hope for Swift Resolutions
The community manager expresses Pocketpair’s commitment to aligning the Xbox version with the Steam one. Despite the challenges posed by the certification process, efforts are underway to streamline future updates. The hope is that Microsoft’s certification will soon allow for a quick patch, similar to how issues with Conan Exiles were promptly resolved in 2022.
Early Access Roadmap
Pocketpair has outlined a roadmap for Palworld’s early access period. This includes critical fixes, impending improvements, and future updates, such as player-versus-player, cross-play between Steam, Xbox, and Microsoft Store versions, and new content like Pals, bosses, and technologies.
Potential for Microsoft Support
Given Palworld’s unexpected success on Xbox Game Pass, there’s an opportunity for Microsoft to step in and offer enhanced support. With the game becoming a de facto timed exclusive for Xbox, collaboration could lead to improved processes and faster updates, benefiting both players and the platform’s reputation.
No Crypto or Microtransactions
Addressing concerns about potential scams or crypto connections, Pocketpair assures players that Palworld is free from crypto, NFT, or other web3 connections. Moreover, the game does not feature microtransactions or payment portals for optional in-game purchases. Everything is accessible with a one-time purchase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the disparity between Palworld‘s Steam and Xbox versions arises from the certification process imposed by Microsoft. While players on Xbox currently miss out on certain features, Pocketpair is actively working to address these discrepancies. The distinct versions of the game and underlying architectural differences contribute to varied version numbers, but efforts are in place to align them in the future. With hopes for swift resolutions and potential support from Microsoft, the Palworld community anticipates an improved gaming experience on all platforms soon. Stay tuned for updates as Pocketpair navigates the certification process and strives for feature parity across Steam and Xbox editions.