Is Pokémon Ready for Web3?
Is Pokémon Ready for Web3? The Pokémon Company Seeks Web3 Expert in New Job Listing
The Pokémon Company, known for its popular Nintendo video game series, has posted a job listing for a Corporate Development Principal who has experience and knowledge in Web3, blockchain technologies, NFT, and/or metaverse. The job listing does not specify any potential Web3 moves that the company could make, but it suggests that the role will push innovation and explore potential partnerships with external firms regarding new technologies.
The Pokémon Company oversees a wide range of games, media, and merchandise related to the franchise, including console and mobile games, TV shows and movies, toys and apparel, and other projects and tie-ins. While Nintendo publishes all of the franchise's console video games outside of Japan, it does not own the Pokémon franchise.
The concept of monster-collecting in Pokémon games could be an ideal fit for NFT-based games or collectible digital assets. Other developers have tried to bring the video game franchise's concept to life in Web3, but with some serious misfires.
In February 2022, Nintendo's President mentioned that the company sees "great potential" in the metaverse, a more immersive and interactive version of the internet used for gaming, social interactions, work, and more. However, he added that Nintendo is in no rush to create games for the metaverse.
Meanwhile, Niantic, the developer of the mobile game Pokémon Go, has created a platform that other companies can use for NFT-driven experiences, such as the music metaverse game Elynixr from Pixelynx, a studio co-founded by electronic musician Deadmau5.
The potential for Pokémon to enter the Web3 space has excited fans of the franchise, who have been eagerly awaiting official news about what The Pokémon Company has in store. Many are hoping for a blockchain-based game that utilizes NFTs, allowing them to collect and trade their favorite Pokémon in a new, digital format.
However, some industry experts are cautious about the potential pitfalls of bringing Pokémon to the Web3 space. With so many developers already working on NFT-based games and collectibles, it may be difficult for The Pokémon Company to carve out a unique niche. Additionally, some fans worry that the franchise's iconic monsters could be exploited or misrepresented in the often-unregulated world of NFTs.
Despite these concerns, many see the move as a smart business decision for The Pokémon Company, which has been successful for over two decades. With the rise of Web3 and the metaverse, there is a growing demand for digital assets and experiences that can be owned, traded, and shared across different platforms. Pokémon has always been at the forefront of new gaming trends, and it seems likely that the franchise will continue to innovate and evolve to meet the changing needs of its fans.
As The Pokémon Company begins its search for a Web3 expert, fans and industry analysts alike will be watching closely to see what the future holds for one of the world's most beloved gaming franchises. With the potential for new games, collectibles, and partnerships, there are sure to be exciting developments on the horizon for Pokémon fans around the globe.