‍Pixelmon, a web3 gaming project originally founded by Martin van Blerk, started with big ambitions but faced challenges at launch, leaving many early supporters disappointed. Criticism of broken promises and missed expectations defined its early days. In 2022, LiquidX, a Singapore-based web3 venture studio specializing in decentralized games (now rebranded to MON Co.) stepped in and acquired a controlling stake. Under new leadership, the team developed a focused plan to rebuild the brand using blockchain technology.

The core of Pixelmon’s new vision is its decentralized intellectual property (IP) model. This approach turns characters into collectible items with trackable IP rights. That means NFT holders can license their characters or items for use in Pixelmon’s games or for inclusion in comics or merchandise like the limited-edition Kevin Buildoor Block Set. 

This model shifts Pixelmon’s focus toward making NFTs useful. For holders, this means a chance to engage with the project in a tangible way. For gamers, it creates a more dynamic world where digital items tie directly to gameplay and storytelling.

With this strategy, Pixelmon’s team aims to move beyond past challenges and deliver value that keeps players and collectors involved for the long term.

What is Pixelmon?

Pixelmon is a popular Minecraft mod that brings a Pokémon-like experience to the game, captivating players with its unique blend of adventure and strategy. Created by a dedicated team of developers and continuously improved by a passionate community of contributors, Pixelmon transformed the Minecraft world into an interactive ecosystem where players can catch, train, and battle Pokémon-like creatures.

Soon, Pixelmon became an open-world role-playing game that combines the excitement of collecting and battling unique creatures with the innovative possibilities of blockchain technology. Set in the vast fictional landscape of Nova Thera, Pixelmon allows players to own, sell, and evolve their Pixelmon creatures, enhancing the gameplay mechanics. With its enterprising decentralized IP model, Pixelmon empowers players with 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 as a Minecraft mod featuring Pokémon-style characters with similar mechanics, like catching and battling creatures. It became popular because it brought together two things players love: Minecraft’s open-world gameplay and the strategy and adventure of Pokémon. Over time, the mod’s success proved there was a demand for immersive, interactive ecosystems.

That popularity is what eventually led to its evolution into a web3 metaverse game. The idea of owning and interacting with collectible creatures lined up perfectly with what blockchain and NFTs can do—giving players real ownership of their digital items. Now, Pixelmon isn’t just a game; it’s part of a larger ecosystem. Players can own NFTs of their Pixelmon creatures, license them for use in other parts of the brand, and even see them integrated into merchandise and upcoming projects like an anime series.

It was a natural progression from a community-driven mod to a web3 gaming project, and it shows how much potential there is in combining gaming with decentralized technology.

Say hello to Pixelmon’s NFT universe

Pixelmon currently utilizes two main Ethereum NFT collections, Pixelmon - Generation 1 and Pixelmon Trainers - Generation 1, with two ancillary collections called the Evolution Serums, all of which are considered collectible items.

The Creatures form the basis of the game experience, of which 10,005 are available. There are 69 different species of Creatures, featuring six tiers of rarity (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Mythical) and four elemental origins (Fire, Water, Earth, and Air). The collection was released in February 2022, featuring eggs that needed to hatch in order to reveal the Creature attached, each with trackable IP rights.

Several months later in November 2022, holders who staked their Creatures had the option to mint a free Generation 1 Trainer within a specific window of time, after which the quantity would be capped. The rarity of the Trainers was determined by the upper body clothing, with the level of rarity corresponding to the rarity of the Creature that qualified for the mint.

Only 7,000 first-generation Trainers were claimed, capping the quantity to that amount for all time. This collection, like the Creatures, also conferred ownership and licensing rights, specifically for the unique combination of gear traits in the avatars. Additionally, anyone who holds a Trainer NFT for 30 days or longer is entitled to download the original 3D source files of their Trainers and their skins and gear, enabling them to remix and make new art with the component files and potentially extend the Pixelmon brand even further.

What is Pixelmon’s decentralized IP strategy?

One of Pixelmon’s distinguishing features is the “Right-of-Game” approach to NFT ownership and game items.

In this dynamic world, the Pixelmon team has opened the door to NFT holders to license their IP, such as Creatures and Trainers, for use in the game. Even further, Genesis holders can license their NFTs’ digital items across the full Pixelmon ecosystem, whether in games, comics, or physical merchandise, with the goal of spreading the Pixelmon IP as widely as possible.

Pixelmon’s games and merch

In November 2023, the team launched Kevin the Adventurer, a hypercasual browser-based side-scrolling game reminiscent of Flappy Bird. While the game is simple, it served as a proof-of-concept for the team’s ability to ship games and also featured a giveaway campaign.

In weekly campaigns, players could win from a 10,000 USDC prize pool by placing on the leaderboard. Players who didn’t rank were encouraged to participate as they could potentially win a participation trophy that tendered 100 USDC.

Another casual title, PixelPals, introduces land and pet management, enhancing the gameplay experience where players can care for PixelPals, build habitats, and gather resources.

Pixelmon’s mid-core games add more depth and strategy to its ecosystem. Warden’s Ascent is a turn-based RPG adventure designed for mobile devices, where players can engage in tactical combat and develop strategies to progress through the game, ensuring a stable game environment. Warriors of Nova Thera is an upcoming dungeon crawler game for which open beta registration is currently open. Both titles allow players to incorporate Pixelmon NFTs into the gameplay.

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Pixelmon also released two pieces of physical merchandise on its Shopify storefront in 2023: the Kevin Buildoor Block Set and the Nom Nom Plushie. Both are sold out as of this writing and were also licensed from their specific holders.

The Pixelmon community

The Pixelmon community is a close-knit and active group of players and content creators who share a deep love for the mod. Known for their creativity and enthusiasm, community members produce a wide range of content, including videos, artwork, and stories. This collective passion not only enriches the Pixelmon experience but also drives its continuous improvement. Players actively provide feedback and suggestions, helping to shape the mod’s development and growth.

The community’s collaborative spirit and dedication ensure that Pixelmon remains a dynamic and evolving project, beloved by fans around the world.

Pixelmon’s ongoing developments

In July 2024, Pixelmon shared significant updates about its anime project and gave fans a closer look at how the series is shaping up. The team released concept art and detailed scenes that featured elements designed to expand the storytelling and immerse viewers in the Pixelmon universe.

The updates included tribal character designs, dragon bond tattoos, and a fight sequence in the Krawarriors Colosseum. Additional highlights featured the Drootle Guards and a hooded trainer, emphasizing the depth and variety of characters in the upcoming series, and encouraging fans to engage with the project.

The anime’s story focuses on the relationships between Pixelmon creatures and their trainers, a recurring theme across the broader Pixelmon ecosystem.

Although no release date has been announced, these updates confirm that the anime is a central part of Pixelmon’s strategy to expand its intellectual property.