Palworld’s Body Type Backlash: Players Want 'Male' and 'Female' and Not 'Types'
Players want Male and Female and not Body Type 1 and 2?
Palworld, the survival game that made waves as “Pokémon with guns,” finds itself at the center of yet another controversy—but this time, it’s not about firing rocket launchers at Pikachu knock-offs. The issue? A character creation system that replaced traditional gender labels with "Body Type 1" and "Body Type 2," igniting backlash among fans who feel the choice is unnecessary and confusing—especially given that the game’s creatures (Pals) still feature clear gender distinctions.
Let’s dive into what sparked this debate, why fans (and big-name streamers) are riled up, and whether Pocketpair will listen or hold firm.
Body Types Over Gender: What’s the Big Deal?
When Palworld launched in January 2024, players immediately noticed something unusual about its character creator: no traditional male or female labels. Instead, players choose between “Body Type 1” and “Body Type 2.” This decision mirrors similar choices made by games like Cyberpunk 2077, aiming for inclusivity and broad player representation.
However, unlike Cyberpunk, Palworld's creatures themselves retain clear male and female distinctions, leaving some players scratching their heads. Steam discussions quickly filled up with users calling the move “woke” and unnecessary, with threads titled "GET WOKE GO BROKE!!!" gaining momentum. Players felt the gender-neutral terms seemed more performative than practical.
Why It Feels Odd in Palworld’s Context
The backlash isn’t just about resistance to new ideas; it’s also about how awkwardly this choice fits into the world of Palworld. Fans argue that the “Body Type” labels feel particularly forced here, given the traditional structure of the game itself—breeding, gender-specific Pals, and the overall style.
Compared to games like Cyberpunk 2077, where fluidity and customization are built deeply into the lore, players feel Palworld's move seems random and even contradictory. One Steam user summed up the frustration: "Just change the body type to Male and Female already, stop playing around."
Community Split: Inclusivity vs. Tradition
The community response is sharply divided. Some Steam users suggest ironically adding dozens of body types if labels won't revert to traditional terms. Others on social media platforms urge calm, encouraging Pocketpair to clearly communicate their intention and reasoning.
The debate has spilled over into a trending topic, highlighting the divide between those seeking traditional labels and those supporting broader inclusivity—even if it seems somewhat out-of-place here.
Pocketpair’s Track Record: Controversy and Caution
Controversy isn’t new for Palworld or its creators. Just last month, the company settled a whopping $78 million patent lawsuit with Nintendo over alleged IP infringement. Some speculate this legal scare has made Pocketpair wary of further backlash, which could explain their cautious silence on this current controversy.
Yet despite the turmoil, Pocketpair has consistently updated the game, including December 2024’s expansive Feybreak Island update. Clearly, they’re not afraid to push forward—but the body type issue seems like one they're hesitant to engage with directly.
The Larger Picture: What’s Really at Stake?
This controversy isn’t just about labeling—it underscores a broader cultural tug-of-war within the gaming community in 2025. With titles like the recent Dragon Quest 3 remake facing similar criticisms for dropping traditional gender labels, it raises questions about where the line is drawn between inclusive game design and perceived overreach.
Players aren't rejecting inclusivity itself—they're pushing back when changes feel disconnected from the game’s core identity or seem designed to appease rather than innovate.
Will Pocketpair Address the Issue?
As of today, Pocketpair hasn't publicly addressed the backlash. Their silence leaves fans speculating on their next move. Will the devs hold firm, embracing their inclusive choice, or will they yield to player feedback and restore traditional labels?
The outcome could have implications beyond Palworld, influencing how other developers handle similar controversies in future titles.
Weigh In: Body Types or Gender Labels?
What’s your stance on Palworld's character creation controversy? Are inclusive body types a positive step forward, or would traditional male and female labels better fit the game’s context?
News compiled by Derek Gibbs and Edgar B.
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