Japanese watch brand Casio is venturing into the metaverse by launching a collection of G-Shock Creator Pass NFTs in collaboration with blockchain platform Polygon. The 15,000 NFTs will be minted for free and will act as gate passes to Casio’s new Discord channel. Holders will have the opportunity to co-create designs for the passes through a contest. Casio aims to engage with a younger, tech-savvy consumer base and establish a presence in the virtual world. The NFTs will be available in several countries, and the initiative reflects the growing interest in Web3 experiences and the metaverse.
Casio Explores the Metaverse with G-Shock Watches and NFTs
Japanese watch brand Casio is venturing into the metaverse by integrating its sporty G-Shock wrist-watch line. Together with blockchain platform Polygon, Casio plans to release 15,000 G-Shock Creator Pass NFTs, which can be minted for free starting September 23. These NFTs will serve as gate passes to Casio’s new Discord channel, where pass holders can participate in a contest to co-create potential designs for the passes.
Embracing the Web3 Trend
Casio aims to leverage the rising Web3 trend to engage with a younger, tech-savvy consumer base through its metaverse initiative. By adopting a community-building approach, the brand seeks to establish a prominent presence in the virtual world.
Co-Creative Projects and Contest Details
Casio has outlined co-creative projects as part of its Creator Pass Colour Design Contest. The contest will determine the design elements such as colors, materials, and patterns for the passes. Community members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite designs, and the winning entry will become the official pass design.
Availability and Announcement
The 15,000 creator pass NFTs will be available in several countries, including Japan, India, the US, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and the UK. An announcement about the upcoming Casio competition has also been published on X (formerly Twitter), generating excitement among potential participants.
Increasing Demand for Web3 Experiences
Casio’s senior general manager of the timepiece division, Takahashi Oh, stated that there is a growing demand for Web3 experiences. According to a report by Decrypt, Oh emphasized the Virtual G-Shock Project’s objective of cultivating a culture of wearing watches in the virtual world.
The Metaverse’s Popularity and the Potential User Expanse
The metaverse currently boasts over 400 million unique monthly users worldwide, with an estimated 51% being aged 13 or under. Many of these users are engaged in virtual classes or video games within these blockchain-based digital ecosystems. Recognizing this potential userbase, brands like Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Nike, and Starbucks have also delved into the metaverse sector.
Conclusion
Casio’s foray into the metaverse through its G-Shock watches and NFTs demonstrates the brand’s willingness to embrace emerging technology and engage with a younger audience. By inviting the community to co-create pass designs and leveraging the Web3 trend, Casio aims to establish a significant presence in the virtual world. As the metaverse continues to gain momentum, other notable brands are also looking to capitalize on the opportunities it offers.