Palworld, the latest sensation in the gaming world, has stormed onto the scene, selling a staggering one million copies within its first eight hours of early access. Developer Pocketpair proudly announced this milestone on social media, accompanied by an image of the game’s quirky critters, seemingly thrilled with their newfound fame. The Pokémon-with-guns concept, coupled with overwhelmingly positive reviews, has propelled Palworld into the stratosphere of gaming popularity.

A mere few hours post-launch, the twisted monster-taming adventure boasted an impressive 200,000 concurrent players on Steam alone. The player count soared even higher, reaching an estimated peak of 370,000 players, according to Steam Database. With the inclusion of Game Pass players, the total player base remains a mystery, but Palworld is undeniably on track for a debut rivaling the likes of Valheim.

To put the game’s monumental success in perspective, indie hit Valheim took two weeks to reach over 350,000 players, while Palworld achieved a comparable figure within its first eight hours. The next benchmark to surpass is Sons of the Forest’s impressive 414,000 target, a feat the sequel achieved in its debut weekend.

Yet, what sets Palworld apart isn’t just its record-breaking launch but also the warm reception from gamers. Currently boasting a “Very Positive” rating on Steam based on over 2,400 user reviews, the game’s addictive loop of battling, crafting, and surviving with or against various Pals (Pokémon-like creatures armed with guns) has captured the hearts of players.

However, beneath the seemingly innocent façade of Palworld lies a dark secret that has stirred controversy among players. It turns out the game isn’t just ‘Pokémon-with-guns’; players can also capture and sell human beings, establishing a grim supply chain for their body parts within an in-game black market. Disturbingly, the revelation has added an unexpected layer to the gaming experience, as players grapple with the ethical implications of their virtual actions.

Streamer reactions have been a mix of horror and fascination, as they uncover the value attached to human body parts within the game’s economy. The unsettling twist adds a level of moral ambiguity, challenging players to navigate the blurred lines between gaming fantasy and uncomfortable reality.

Palworld’s dark side has certainly stirred the pot, leaving players questioning the boundaries of their virtual exploits. Whether it’s justified mayhem or a step too far, Palworld’s unexpected journey into the shadows has undoubtedly made it a game to remember, for better or worse.