The last two months have been pivotal for the Pixelmon team as we edge closer to showcasing our highly anticipated mid-core games, Warriors of Nova Thera and Hunting Grounds, at Gamescom in August and Token2049 in September. Our teams have been fine-tuning these games and running extensive tests with our internal Discord groups, involving our dedicated holders every step of the way. Additionally, we’ve ramped up our content reveals, particularly around the Pixelmon anime, giving the community a closer look at the creative process on Pixelmon X, and progress has been consistently made with Mon Protocol and our partners there.
Anime, IP Expansion & More
Expanding the Pixelmon IP has been a major focus, as we work on growing the brand and laying the groundwork for future rewards for our community. One of the standout initiatives has been our efforts to push the Huh?, Berg, and Borg IPs on Twitter, as seen in these highlights from June and July.
But that's not all—we've also begun sharing deeper insights into the upcoming Pixelmon anime. From early concept art to the mechanics of how Pixelmons bond with their Trainers, we're giving sneak peeks as development continue. Be sure to check out these sneak peeks on X:
- Tribal Character Designs
- Dragon Bond Tattoos
- Krawarriors Colosseum Fight Scene
- The Drootle Guards
- Mysterious Hooded Trainer
- Attention to Detail
Stay tuned on X to catch all the latest updates as we continue to build out the Pixelmon universe.
Hunting Grounds Updates
June 2024
June was a busy month for the Hunting Grounds team as we made significant strides in refining the game:
- Artistic Revamp: Our social hub received a stunning visual overhaul.
- Stabilized PvP: We’ve enhanced the stability of PvP battles, ensuring seamless combat experiences.
- Campaign Development: The first pass of the campaign was crafted across 13 unique regions.
- Combat Abilities: We’ve introduced new combat abilities focused on stats and damage, with VFX development still underway.
- Emote System: A new emote system was implemented, adding a layer of expressive interaction in PvP.
As we prepare for Gamescom in August, we're excited to show off these developments and more.
July 2024
With Gamescom around the corner, July was all about fine-tuning the game and preparing a striking demo:
- Demo Preparation: Attack animations and VFX were polished for the Pixelmons that will be showcased.
- System Polishes: Visual and logical polishes were applied across all systems, ensuring smooth gameplay.
- PvP Optimization: A custom tech stack was set up to allow PvP to operate locally, accommodating limited internet connectivity at Gamescom.
- New Combat Mechanics: "Taunt," "Counter," and a stagger system were introduced to add depth and strategy to battles.
- UI Overhaul: The HUD, world map, campaign level selection, and card art were all given a fresh coat of paint.
- Expanded World: Additional battle zones were added, providing diverse environments for combat.
Warriors of Nova Thera Updates
June 2024
As we continue to refine Warriors of Nova Thera, the team has made notable updates this month:
- First-Time User Experience: A new tutorial level was added to ease new players into the game.
- HUD Update: The in-game HUD was revamped to align with recent gameplay changes.
- New Content: A new batch of upgrade skill options was introduced, along with a sneak preview of Grailon as a new playable character.
- Enemy Improvements: We updated the behaviors, SFXs, and VFXs for Goloidon.
- Miscellaneous Updates: Further improvements were made to UI navigation using a game controller, and new stagger animations were added for enemies.
July 2024
July saw further refinements and a successful playtest that provided valuable feedback:
- Core Gameplay Updates: The in-game EXP system was removed, with rewards now tied to clearing rooms.
- Environment Updates: New rooms, including shop and healing rooms, were added, along with an updated room progression system.
- Enemy Updates: Expanded movesets for Floratopsian and Goloidon boss fights, and a new enemy—Cherrybomb—was introduced.
- Playable Character Updates: New Borg passive skill "Claw Sign" was added, along with further refinements to Grailon's gameplay experience.
Mon Protocol
The past two months have been exceptionally busy for Mon Protocol, marked by significant milestones and new ventures. We conducted our first five launchpools, where holders of MON could use their accrued points to receive airdrops of tokens from other projects through the launchpad. In addition to this, Mon Protocol announced the launch of MON Ventures, a Web3 investment fund focused on seed and pre-Token Generation Event (TGE) stage blockchain applications, with a particular emphasis on gaming. Leading this fund is 500 Global, a renowned multi-stage venture capital firm known for its investments in companies like Reddit, Sky Mavis, and Solana. You can find the full press release here.
The five launchpools featured top projects like Aethir, Memeland, Cross the Ages, Qorpo, and Sekai Glory. Additionally, Block Lords, Dogami, Nyan Heroes, Gam3s.GG, and Pixelverse were included, offering stakers the chance to earn tokens from these projects.
Mon Protocol also forged partnerships with a variety of top Web3 gaming projects, including Bloodloop, Avarik Saga, Rivalz, Legends of Venari, Overworld, Hybrid, Planet Atmos, The Machines Game, Astra Nova, Zentry, Elixir Games, Super Champs, SMOK3, Create Layer!, QiIbee, Overtake, Focus Tree, Dogami, Lazy Games, The Gate, Sparkball, CityVerse Tycoon, Intercellar, Tria, StIx, and Hello Monster.
For more updates on Mon Protocol, stay tuned on X.
Conclusion
As we move into August, the excitement builds for our showcase at Gamescom. We’re eager to reveal more about Warriors of Nova Thera and Hunting Grounds, with live demos and new content on display. If you're attending Gamescom in Cologne, Germany from August 21 to 25, be sure to connect with us on Discord.
For our community following along online, keep an eye on Pixelmon X for updates. Plus, don't miss out on news from Mon Protocol, as they continue to expand their influence in the Web3 gaming space with new partnerships, future launchpads and the launch of MON Ventures.
