A Familiar Formula: Fresh Game ‘Pickmon’ Draws Immediate Comparisons to Nintendo Classics
The gaming world is buzzing – and perhaps bracing for a legal showdown – over “Pickmon,” a newly unveiled multiplayer open-world survival crafter that appears to wear its inspirations on its sleeve. The game, developed by PocketGame and published by NETWORKGO, has quickly become a topic of intense discussion online, with players pointing out striking similarities to franchises like Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and even the recently popular Palworld. The game’s reveal trailer, released on March 6, 2026, has only fueled the fire, showcasing a protagonist and creatures that bear a remarkable resemblance to iconic Nintendo characters and designs. The question now isn’t *if* Nintendo will seize notice, but *when* – and what action they might take.
The initial trailer for Pickmon doesn’t shy away from its influences. A character strikingly similar to Link from the Zelda series is shown gliding from a cliff reminiscent of the Great Plateau in Breath of the Wild, accompanied by a piano melody that echoes the beloved Nintendo title. Clinging to this “Not-Link” is a creature that strongly resembles Pikachu, while a dragon-like being evokes Rayquaza from the Pokémon universe. These overt references, appearing within the first few seconds of the trailer, have led many to accuse Pickmon of blatant imitation. The game is currently slated for release on Steam, with ambitious plans for future availability on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, a move that seems to be courting attention – and potential legal challenges.
NETWORKGO, the publisher of Pickmon, previously released the fantasy title Hainya World, a game that didn’t garner the same level of immediate scrutiny. However, the sheer recognizability of the elements borrowed in Pickmon has catapulted it into the spotlight. The game’s mechanics likewise draw comparisons to Palworld, the monster-collecting survival game that itself faced accusations of resembling Pokémon and sparked a legal dispute with The Pokémon Company in November 2024. That lawsuit, which centers on alleged copyright infringement related to monster-summoning mechanics, is still ongoing, and Nintendo’s handling of that case will likely inform their response to Pickmon. According to Polygon, Nintendo is currently battling the United States government in court over tariffs, potentially adding another layer of complexity to their legal landscape.
The Palworld Precedent and Nintendo’s Approach to IP Protection
The controversy surrounding Pickmon arrives on the heels of the Palworld saga, a case that has closely watched by the gaming industry. The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developer of Palworld, alleging copyright infringement. The core of the dispute revolves around similarities in monster designs and the mechanics of capturing and training creatures. While the lawsuit is still ongoing, Palworld remains available for purchase, albeit with some minor gameplay adjustments. This situation suggests that Nintendo may be adopting a more measured approach to protecting its intellectual property, focusing on specific infringements rather than attempting to shut down entire projects. However, Nintendo has a long history of aggressively defending its copyrights, and the overt nature of Pickmon’s references could prompt a more forceful response.
Nintendo’s stance on intellectual property is well-documented. Traditionally, the company has been known for its strict enforcement of copyright and trademark laws, often issuing takedown notices for fan projects or games that too closely resemble its franchises. However, the Palworld case appears to be a more complex legal battle, involving patent disputes related to monster-summoning mechanics. A patent related to these mechanics was rejected in May 2024, potentially complicating Nintendo’s legal strategy, as reported by IGN. This rejection could influence how Nintendo approaches the Pickmon situation, potentially shifting the focus away from design similarities and towards the game’s core mechanics.
Beyond Pokémon and Zelda: A Blend of Survival and Monster Collection
While the visual similarities to Pokémon and Zelda are undeniable, Pickmon aims to offer a unique gameplay experience. The game is described as a “multiplayer open-world survival crafter,” where players team up with creatures – referred to as “Pickmon” – to gather resources, build sprawling “industrial empires,” and fight enemies. This blend of survival mechanics, monster collection, and base-building draws inspiration from games like Palworld, but with its own distinct twist. Instead of catching creatures in Poké Balls, Pickmon utilizes a card-based summoning system, a mechanic that may help it avoid direct copyright claims related to Pokémon’s capture methods. This system, while potentially innovative, hasn’t escaped scrutiny, with some players noting similarities to the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game.
The trailer also features a character resembling Roadhog from Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch, adding another layer of complexity to the game’s potential legal issues. This inclusion raises questions about whether PocketGame is intentionally pushing the boundaries of copyright law, or simply demonstrating a lack of originality. The game’s Steam page promises a vast, uncharted continent filled with ancient civilizations and mysterious creatures, offering players the opportunity to explore a world brimming with potential. However, the success of Pickmon will likely depend on whether it can establish its own identity beyond its obvious inspirations.
Community Reaction and the Question of Plagiarism
The release of the Pickmon trailer has sparked a lively debate within the gaming community. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, are filled with comments and memes highlighting the game’s similarities to Nintendo’s franchises. Many users have accused Pickmon of blatant plagiarism, while others see it as a clever parody or a bold attempt to capitalize on popular trends. One Reddit user even claimed that Pickmon copied a fan design for a Pokémon, adding fuel to the fire. The overwhelmingly negative sentiment suggests that Pickmon faces an uphill battle in winning over players who are critical of its derivative nature.
The reaction to Pickmon underscores the delicate balance between inspiration and imitation in the gaming industry. While it’s common for developers to draw inspiration from existing games, crossing the line into outright copying can lead to legal trouble and damage a game’s reputation. The success of Pickmon will likely hinge on its ability to differentiate itself from its inspirations and offer a unique and engaging gameplay experience. Whether it can achieve this remains to be seen, but the game has undoubtedly captured the attention of the gaming world – for better or worse.
What’s Next for Pickmon and Nintendo?
As of March 10, 2026, Nintendo has not issued any official statement regarding Pickmon. However, given the company’s history of protecting its intellectual property, it’s highly likely that they will investigate the matter further. The outcome of the ongoing lawsuit against Palworld will likely play a significant role in Nintendo’s decision-making process. If Nintendo successfully proves copyright infringement in the Palworld case, it could embolden them to take a more aggressive stance against Pickmon. Conversely, if the Palworld case falters, Nintendo may be more hesitant to pursue legal action.
The next key date to watch is the planned release of Pickmon on Steam. The game is currently available to wishlist on the platform, and its launch will likely attract even more attention from Nintendo and the gaming community. It’s also worth noting that Pickmon’s developers have expressed ambitions to release the game on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, a move that could further escalate the situation. The coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of Pickmon and its relationship with Nintendo’s iconic franchises.
Will Nintendo choose to defend its intellectual property, or will it allow Pickmon to exist as a somewhat controversial homage to its beloved games? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts on Pickmon? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with your fellow gamers!
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