Brand Identity or Legal Strategy?
The creature-collecting game Pickmon, which closely resembles Pokémon, has officially changed its name to Pickmos. The developers at PocketGame claim this change better aligns with the game’s brand identity and lore. However, many gamers suspect the name shift is more about dodging potential legal issues with Nintendo, given the stark similarities in character designs.
Since its debut on Steam last month, Pickmon has drawn ire from fans of the Pokémon franchise. Players expressed their frustration with comments like "Gotta Sue Them All" and "Lawsuit speedrun" on YouTube, highlighting how closely the game's creatures mirror those from the iconic series.
In response to the backlash, PocketGame assured players that they are committed to engaging with the community for future developments. Despite these efforts, the reception to the new name has not improved. One disgruntled user stated, "You think we're stupid? Everyone knows that you're making nothing more than blatant plagiarised slop with no creativity or identity to stand out." This sentiment reflects a growing skepticism towards the studio's intentions.
The change to Pickmos is said to evoke themes of a "grand cosmos" and a "complete ecosystem," according to a statement from PocketGame. They argue that the new name carries a more powerful presence for the game. Still, players find it challenging to ignore the similarities between Pickmos and other established franchises, with some even pointing out that characters in the game resemble popular icons like Overwatch's Roadhog and Link from Breath of the Wild.
The official Pickmos account continues to defend the name and design choices, emphasizing that their creatures are unique enough to resist legal scrutiny. One response stated, "According to our Design Patent Department, the outlines are completely different. Colors cannot be patented; for a Western dragon design to be considered an infringement, it would require an identical outline." Yet, this defense does little to quell the growing discontent among potential players.
As it stands, Pickmos does not have a confirmed release date, and its future remains uncertain. While the developers are attempting to carve out a unique identity, the road ahead may be rocky. The reaction from the gaming community suggests that many players are waiting for substantial innovation rather than mere rebranding.
