The May 14th, 2025 AMA from the Pixels team provided a detailed look into recent updates, development plans, and ongoing work within the ecosystem. The session focused on gameplay changes, the long-term direction for Chapter 3, and the broader approach to sustainability within a web3 gaming model.

One of the immediate updates introduced changes to soil and harvesting mechanics, as well as a grace period for players who deposited $PIXEL and are looking to withdraw. The update reflects the team's ongoing effort to fine-tune game systems and align incentives across different types of players.

Pixels Chapter 3

The primary focus for the team is the development of Chapter 3. After considering whether to release it gradually or to spend more time refining the entire experience, the team decided to take a more comprehensive approach. The plan for Chapter 3 involves the introduction of competitive land-based gameplay. This includes mechanics for accessing and controlling land, with a specific focus on integrating economic player-versus-player (PVP) systems. The goal is to avoid random or luck-based elements and instead build a system where outcomes are influenced by strategic decision-making. The intention is not to create a casino-like experience, but rather a web3-native game where players can engage in economic competition with meaningful control over risk and reward.

Differentiating Web3 from Traditional Gaming

Pixels emphasized that while core gameplay elements may not be unique to web3, the integration of real economic value changes player behavior and expectations. Unlike traditional free-to-play games or gambling platforms, the web3 model introduces new layers where users evaluate returns differently. The game design acknowledges this by creating opportunities for players to participate in risk-based decision making, where they can choose how much to invest based on their confidence in earning potential. This framework is meant to support a diverse range of player types—from early economy participants to those more engaged in advanced, risk-driven mechanics.

Staking, In-Game Spending, and Player Incentives

Staking remains closely tied to the game’s economic structure. Players are encouraged to consider trade-offs between staking $PIXEL and participating in the in-game economy. This dynamic is designed to reinforce deeper engagement and long-term thinking. When asked about what would drive players to spend $PIXEL in the game, the team explained they are building systems where spending is directly tied to potential earnings. This approach aligns with the broader risk-to-earn design that underpins Chapter 3.

Pixels AMA Reveals Major Updates for Chapter 3

Weekly Updates and Feedback-Driven Development

The team confirmed that one of their internal groups is focused on delivering consistent weekly updates. These improvements include ease-of-play features such as auto-sorting inventory and are based on player feedback and usage data. The team also shared that future updates may adjust leveling systems, particularly around industries like forestry, based on data insights and user retention trends.

In response to questions about active users and external data platforms, the team acknowledged a decline from their all-time high in daily active users. However, they clarified that previous peaks were inflated by bots and sybil activity. Currently, Pixels sees around 50,000 daily active users, with a shift toward a more engaged and high-quality user base. The focus now is on retaining players who are aligned with the game's long-term goals rather than optimizing for short-term user growth.

Pixels AMA Reveals Major Updates for Chapter 3

Social Features, Monetization, and Ads

There are ongoing efforts to introduce more collaborative and social gameplay features. While some technical foundations are already in place, the visual and creative components are still under development. The team reaffirmed their interest in enabling more meaningful in-game interaction, especially in the form of mini-games and community events.

The AMA also addressed questions about monetization and the role of ads. The team remains interested in integrating ads as a support mechanism for the in-game economy, particularly for users who earn tokens but do not spend. However, they emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality ad inventory and avoiding partnerships with low-quality or casino-like advertisers. They also discussed the concept of incentivized ads, where players could choose to watch ads in exchange for in-game benefits, but reiterated that any advertising integration would need to meet quality standards.

Pixels AMA Reveals Major Updates for Chapter 3

Merchant Ships, TB Updates, and Pixel Chain

Merchant Ships will continue to receive updates, with a focus on improving content and rewards. The team acknowledged existing limitations with the current reward structure and expressed a desire to move away from overly random mechanics. Similarly, there are plans to rebalance the TB system, which currently offers disproportionate returns at certain levels. A new dashboard will be introduced to help players better understand and track daily rewards.

The team addressed speculation about launching a dedicated "Pixel Chain" and clarified their current thinking. Advances in cross-chain technologies like Chainlink and LayerZero have reduced the need for a proprietary chain. Instead, the focus is on multi-chain accessibility while keeping Ronin as the core platform. Pixels plans to expand interoperability and support for other web3 games, aiming for broader integration rather than isolation.

Pixels AMA Reveals Major Updates for Chapter 3

Upcoming Features and Long-Term Vision

Further discussions touched on upcoming features such as the pets app, weather systems, and potential entropy mechanics that introduce variability without relying on randomness. For example, weather patterns linked to external data like bitcoin price fluctuations could add strategic depth without resorting to chance-based outcomes. These concepts are still under exploration, with the goal of enhancing gameplay without undermining skill-based decision making.

Community Engagement and Incentives

Finally, the AMA reiterated the importance of fostering a collaborative and loyal community. Events such as in-game parties and referral-based tasks will play a larger role in player engagement. A system is also being developed where players can earn $PIXEL through completing basic actions such as downloading related apps, making social media posts, and referring new users. Early access to new apps, such as the pets game, will be limited to land and pet owners during the feedback phase.

The May 14 AMA offered a broad overview of Pixels’ current status, development roadmap, and design philosophy within the web3 gaming space. The team is focused on refining gameplay mechanics, strengthening the in-game economy, and building sustainable systems that reward player participation over time.