Published on: 26/03/2024
Pixelmons Big Bet on Fractionalized NFTs: A Market Analysis
Crypto project Pixelmon, initially slammed as the “worst NFT project ever,” is making headlines again as it eyes a grand comeback. Pixelmon CEO Giulio Xiloyannis is placing his bets on a phenomenon that has been gaining traction recently: fractionalized non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Pixelmon’s redemption saga traces back to its ill-fated launch in February 2021 when the coveted game promised to be a crypto-version of Pokemon. The project raised an astounding $70 million in Ether (ETH). Yet, it delivered a far-from-impressive portfolio of 68 questionable NFT characters, thereby inviting mockery from the crypto community.
CEO Xiloyannis, however, is determined to turn around the companys reputation. After acquiring the embattled Pixelmon in May 2022, he has chalked out a strategy to reboot the brand, harnessing the power of fractionalized NFTs.
Drawing parallels with Pokemon, Xiloyannis elucidates the concept of fractionalized NFT IP rights. Imagine if Nintendo had minted 100 NFTs of Pikachu in the 90s, and by owning one of them, you had a 1% right to royalties from Pikachus usage, he envisions. This model pivots the entire NFT-based gaming dynamics as Pixelmon will be entirely free to play, but by owning a Pixelmon NFT, gamers can also earn royalties every time their NFT is used outside the gaming ecosystem. The company has chosen the MON Protocol’s native MON token to pay out these royalties.
While the reboot shows promise, Xiloyannis warns of potential risks. The success of each NFT ultimately depends on its adoption and popularity among gamers. The less popular characters could fetch lower returns, reminiscent of an unpopular Pokemon. Furthermore, the decentralized governance structure of Pixelmon could hamper decision-making processes, posing significant business risks.
However, despite these obstacles, investors seem bullish. Pixelmon raised $8 million in a seed investment round, attracting firms such as Animoca Brands and Delphi Ventures. Blockchain game publisher Immutable has also allocated a hefty sum from its $100 million fund to Pixelmon.
From an investors perspective, Pixelmons tentative resurrection underscores the evolving crypto market and the growing influence of NFTs. The democratization of intellectual property rights through fractionalization could extend into multiple industries, enabling a more inclusive and lucrative market.
The market movement surrounding Pixelmons reboot signifies another key trend: the resilience and adaptability of the blockchain industry. In an ever-dynamic crypto landscape, brands like Pixelmon exemplify how initial failures can be transformed into opportunities with viable strategies and steadfast determination.
Looking ahead, while risks are inherent, fractionalized NFTs might herald a new era in the crypto gaming world. It represents a cross-continuum of gaming, NFTs, and intellectual property rights, highlighting that in the dynamic world of blockchain, nothing ever truly dies.