Pixelmon is a Web3 gaming project originally founded by Martin van Blerk that initially had high ambitions but faced challenges upon launch, disappointing many early backers.
Early on, it was criticized for failing to deliver on its promises and meet expectations, but in 2022, LiquidX (now renamed MON Co.), a Singapore-based Web3 startup studio focused on decentralized gaming, joined and acquired a controlling stake. Under the new leadership, the team has developed a focused plan to reshape the brand using blockchain technology.
Central to Pixelmon’s new vision is its decentralized intellectual property (IP) model, an approach that turns characters into collectibles with traceable IP rights, meaning NFT holders can license their characters or items for use in Pixelmon games, or have them incorporated into comics or merchandise (such as a limited edition Kevin Buildoor building block set).
This model shifts Pixelmon’s focus toward making NFTs practical; for holders, it means a chance to engage with the project in a tangible way, and for gamers, it creates a more dynamic world where digital items are directly tied to gameplay and storytelling.
Through this strategy, the Pixelmon team aims to overcome past challenges and provide value that keeps players and collectors engaged for the long term.
What is Pixelmon?
Pixelmon is a popular Minecraft mod that brings a Pokémon-like experience to the game, enticing players with its unique blend of adventure and strategy. Created by a dedicated development team and continuously improved by a group of passionate contributors, Pixelmon has transformed the Minecraft world into an interactive ecosystem where players can capture, train, and battle Pokémon-like creatures.
Soon, Pixelmon became an open-world role-playing game that perfectly combined the excitement of collecting and battling unique creatures with the innovative possibilities of blockchain technology. Set in the vast fictional world of Nova Thera, players can own, sell, and evolve their Pixelmon creatures, thereby enhancing the game mechanics.
With its progressive decentralized IP model, Pixelmon gives players a stake in the game’s success, inviting them to contribute to the growth and expansion of the Pixelmon universe, creating an immersive experience.
How Pixelmon Evolved into a Web3 Metaverse Game
Pixelmon started out as a Minecraft mod featuring Pokémon-style characters and similar mechanics, such as capturing and battling creatures. It became popular because it combined two elements that players loved: the open-world gameplay of Minecraft and the strategy and adventure of Pokémon. Over time, the mod's success proved there was a demand for an immersive, interactive ecosystem.
It was this popularity that ultimately led to its evolution into a Web3 metaverse game, where collectible creatures to own and interact with fit perfectly with the capabilities of blockchain and NFTs - giving players true ownership of their digital items.
Today, Pixelmon is more than just a game, it’s part of a larger ecosystem where players can own NFTs of Pixelmon creatures, license them for use in other parts of the brand, and even see them incorporated into merchandise and upcoming projects, such as an anime series.
This is a natural progression from a community-driven model to a web3 gaming project, and it demonstrates the huge potential of combining gaming with decentralized technology.
Say hello to the NFT world of Pixelmon
Pixelmon currently uses two main Ethereum NFT series, Pixelmon - Generation 1 and Pixelmon Trainers - Generation 1, as well as two secondary series called Evolution Serums, all of which are considered collectible items.
Creatures form the basis of the gaming experience, with 10,005 creatures to choose from across 69 creature species, divided into six rarity tiers (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Mythic), and four elemental origins (Fire, Water, Earth, and Air).
Released in February 2022, the collection features eggs that need to be hatched to reveal the creatures, with each egg having traceable intellectual property rights.
A few months later, in November 2022, holders who have pledged creatures will have the option to mint a first-generation trainer for free during a specific time period, after which the number will be capped. The rarity of the trainer is determined by its upper body clothing, and the rarity level corresponds to the rarity of the creature that meets the casting conditions.
With only 7,000 players claiming the first generation of trainers, their numbers will be permanently capped at that, and like the creature series, this one gives players ownership and authorization, especially for unique combinations of gear traits among characters.
Additionally, any player who holds a trainer NFT for 30 days or more will have the right to download the original 3D source files of their trainer, skin, and gear, allowing them to use the component files to remix and create new works of art, potentially further expanding the Pixelmon brand.
What is Pixelmon’s decentralized IP strategy?
One of Pixelmon’s notable features is its “rights to play” approach to NFT ownership and in-game items.
In this dynamic world, the Pixelmon team has opened the door to NFT holders, allowing them to license their IP (such as creatures and trainers) for use in the game. In addition, Genesis holders can also license digital goods of their NFTs throughout the Pixelmon ecosystem, whether it is games, comics or physical goods, aiming to spread the Pixelmon IP as widely as possible.
Pixelmon games and merchandise
In November 2023, the team launched Kevin the Adventurer, a web-based hyper-casual horizontal scrolling game reminiscent of Flappy Bird. Although the game is simple to operate, it verifies the team's ability to publish games and also launches a giveaway event.
During the weekly event, players who rank on the leaderboard have a chance to win a prize pool of 10,000 USDC. We encourage players who are not ranked to actively participate as they have a chance to win a participation trophy worth 100 USDC.
Another casual game (PixelPals) introduces land and pet management, enhancing the gaming experience as players care for PixelPals, build habitats, and collect resources.
Pixelmon's mid-core game adds more depth and strategy to its ecosystem. (Warden's Ascent) is a turn-based role-playing adventure game designed specifically for mobile devices, where players can engage in tactical combat and develop strategies to advance in the game, ensuring a stable gaming environment.
(Warriors of Nova Thera) is an upcoming dungeon crawler game that is now open for beta testing registration. Both games allow players to incorporate Pixelmon NFTs into their gameplay.
Pixelmon also released two physical products on its Shopify storefront in 2023: a Kevin Buildoor building set and a Nom Nom plush toy, both of which are sold out as of this writing and are licensed to their specific holders.
Pixelmon Community
The Pixelmon community is a close-knit, vibrant group of players and content creators who share a deep love for the mod. Community members are known for their creativity and passion, creating a rich and diverse content including videos, artwork, and stories.
This collective enthusiasm not only enriches the Pixelmon experience, but also drives its continued improvement, with players actively providing feedback and suggestions to help the mod develop and grow.
The community's collaborative spirit and dedication have ensured that Pixelmon remains a vibrant and growing project, enjoyed by fans around the world.
Pixelmon's continued development
In July 2024, Pixelmon shared important developments on its anime project, giving fans a close look at the series' progress, with the team releasing concept art and detailed scenes featuring elements designed to expand the storyline and immerse audiences in the world of Pixelmon.
Updates include tribal character designs, dragon tattoos, and a battle sequence in the Krawarriors Colosseum, while highlights like Drootle Guards and hooded sneakers highlight the depth and diversity of characters in the upcoming series and encourage fans to actively participate in the project.
The story of the anime focuses on the relationships between the Pixelmon creatures and their trainers, which is a recurring theme throughout the Pixelmon ecosystem.
While no release date has been announced, these updates confirm that the anime is a core part of Pixelmon’s strategy to expand its intellectual property.
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