A blatant Pokémon ripoff was just pulled from Steam before launch

The survival crafting game formerly known as Pickmon, which aesthetically rips off Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda, already faces some significant troubles ahead of launch. Surprisingly, it’s not because of Nintendo’s intervention, but because the game’s publisher has removed it from Steam and intervened in its development.

Earlier this week, Pickmos‘ Steam page disappeared, and publisher Networkgo stated on X shortly thereafter that it had “officially intervened in the development of PocketGame.”

In further replies to that X post, Networkgo revealed more about why it’s doing this. “We are revising the game to ensure a controversy-free experience,” one reply from the official account reads. “It will be re-released once our publisher gives the final approval.” In another reply, the publisher said it is currently gathering information about accusations of the use of stolen art and is reaching out to one of the impacted artists.

PocketGame and Networkgo revealed Pickmon in March, and it went viral as players pegged the game as the next Palworld. It’s a survival crafting game and not an RPG, but it features a ton of catchable creatures that look like Charizard, Lucario, and other Pokémon. The game was also accused of swiping designs from Pokémon fan art. Meanwhile, the open world, design of the main character, and ability to skydive from great heights resemble Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

Last week, the game caught players’ attention again when PocketGame and Networkgo renamed it from Pickmon to Pickmos. While the official messaging says the name change happened “to better align with our brand identity and lore,” many suspected it was because the Pickmon name was too close to Pokémon. Now, it looks like even more changes are underway for the game.

As of now, it’s not known when Pickmos‘ Steam page will return or what the game will look like when it does. PocketGame and Networkgo’s previously intended to release Pickmos in 2027.