Pixels the Game Reveals Big Updates

The June 18, 2025 AMA from the Pixels team offered a detailed look at the current state and future direction of the platform. This session addressed ongoing game development, community feedback, token mechanics, and plans to better align with the expectations of both web3-native users and more traditional players. As the web3 gaming sector continues to evolve, Pixels is using this transitional period to assess its priorities and recalibrate certain features.

Pixels the Game Reveals Big Updates

Shorelime Event and Runiverse Highlights

The annual Shorelime event is set to return for its third iteration, taking place for 24 hours from 3 PM UTC on Friday to 3 PM UTC on Saturday. This limited-time event allows players to grow Shorelimes exclusively on the beach map. In parallel, the Forgotten Runiverse community will host an event on the following Monday, where further updates and community-focused content will be shared. These events reflect a broader emphasis on timed engagements and collaborative moments across the Pixels ecosystem.

New Updates and Feature Adjustments

In the lead-up to the AMA, several updates were rolled out. New crafting recipes were introduced, and adjustments were made to the Pet Reputation system. A technical update, referred to as TB, was anticipated on the same day. The team acknowledged that a previous update had not gone as smoothly as expected, resulting in some temporary issues. However, patches were quickly deployed, and postmortem evaluations are underway to prevent future disruptions.

The Role and Design of vPixel

A significant portion of the AMA was dedicated to explaining vPixel, a new in-game currency designed to improve economic balance and user participation. vPixel is backed by one $PIXEL token, but unlike $PIXEL, it cannot be traded, sent to other players, or sold. It functions as a spend-only token within the ecosystem, and users can use it in the Pixels game or other partnered games. The intent behind vPixel is to lock up more $PIXEL, reducing circulating supply while still giving players value within the ecosystem.

This model is aimed at addressing long-term sustainability and compliance concerns. Because vPixel cannot be traded or sold, it may provide regulatory advantages, especially when considering integration with mobile platforms like the Google Play Store or the App Store. The team suggested that credit card purchases of vPixel may be possible in the future, further bridging the gap between web2 and web3 users.

Pixels the Game Reveals Big Updates

Community Concerns Around Staking and APR

Questions were raised regarding the low annual percentage rate (APR) for staking in the Forgotten Runiverse. The team explained that staking rewards are closely tied to each game's revenue performance. Games with less staked $PIXEL can potentially offer higher APRs, while games that focus more on development than monetization may see reduced returns. The team reaffirmed that staking remains a low-overhead, high-impact feature and plays a central role in the ecosystem’s economics.

The team also addressed transparency concerns about token distribution. Large token holdings seen in a small number of wallets are actually part of on-chain vesting contracts that have been publicly disclosed. Future plans include transferring ownership of the community treasury to a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), although the legal structure for such a transition is still being evaluated.

Pixels the Game Reveals Big Updates

Making Web3 More Accessible to Web2 Users

The AMA touched on the ongoing challenge of making web3 games more accessible to web2 players. Many of these users are unfamiliar with blockchain terminology and token mechanics. The Pixels team acknowledged this gap and expressed a desire to simplify user experience, including credit card purchases and hiding unnecessary complexity from players who are not interested in blockchain details. This approach would allow users to interact with the game as they would any other mobile or casual title, while still benefiting from web3 features behind the scenes.

Updates on Gameplay, Pets App, and Future Development

The team is currently working on several new features, including a redesigned Pets App aimed at attracting a broader web2 audience. This app will incorporate light earning mechanisms without tying them directly into the core game loop. Additionally, a new earning mechanic referred to as the Offer System or Quest Board is in development. This system will allow for targeted campaign-based rewards distribution and is expected to be more data-driven than existing methods. It will be available not just for Pixels but for other games in the ecosystem as well.

The team also gave updates on other in-game features, including the upcoming Neon Zone and changes to Merchant Ships rewards. These additions are intended to offer more meaningful in-game incentives and address current gaps in end-game content. While some updates may seem minor, the team emphasized that several challenges are more structural in nature and require careful planning to resolve effectively.

Pixels the Game Reveals Big Updates

Long-Term Vision and Chapter 3

Looking ahead, the Pixels team is beginning to shape what they refer to as "Chapter 3" of the game. This phase will focus on enhancing the end-game experience, adding competitive elements, and continuing to experiment with new types of gameplay that balance web3 features with accessible game design. The team acknowledged that earlier live operations leaned too heavily on limited-time events and overspending, and future plans aim to balance engagement with sustainable mechanics.

Some members of the community voiced concerns about Pixels adopting new games while core gameplay still requires refinement. In response, the team clarified that the infrastructure being built supports both core and ecosystem-wide initiatives. The aim is to provide shared tools and mechanics that can scale across multiple games and genres, rather than diverting focus from the original game.

Pixels the Game Reveals Big Updates

Final Thoughts

The June 18, 2025 AMA provided clarity on several key areas of development within the Pixels ecosystem. From new events and token mechanics to long-term strategic planning, the session outlined how the team is working to create a more stable, accessible, and rewarding environment for both new and existing players. While certain features are still in development, the emphasis on regulatory clarity, economic sustainability, and improved user experience signals a deliberate shift in how Pixels is approaching the future of web3 gaming.