Pickmon, the creature-collecting game that looked way too much like Pokémon, just got a new name, “Pickmos.” The developer, PocketGame, says this name change is to “better align with our brand identity and lore,” but honestly, it feels like a move to cool down the storm of criticism accusing the game of copying Pokémon’s iconic designs and gameplay.
Pickmon Rebrands to Pickmos Following Backlash
Last month, Pickmon dropped its trailer on Steam and, wow, did fans react mostly with disappointment and calls for Nintendo to step in. The monster roster looked suspiciously close to Pokémon favorites like Pikachu, Charizard, and Lucario. Even the main hero’s design had shades of Link from Breath of the Wild, gliding off a mountain top like a scene straight out of Zelda.
In response to this backlash, PocketGame announced the name change from Pickmon to Pickmos. According to the studio, the new “-mos” ending represents a “complete Ecosystem” and “a grand Cosmos,” aiming to give the game a “more powerful presence” and better reflect the fantasy world they are building.
Despite this, the creatures inside the game are still called Pickmon, which feels like the developer’s way of holding onto the original identity, even if the game’s title took a small detour.
Pokémon Copycat Accusations Continue Despite Name Change
The name change didn’t exactly turn the tide of public opinion. Fans aren’t buying it. One user bluntly said, “You think we’re stupid? Everyone knows that you’re making nothing more than blatant plagiarized slop with no creativity or identity to stand out.” This was in response to screenshots showing Pickmon’s similarities not only to Pokémon but also to fan-made “fakemon,” Overwatch characters, and even a character suspiciously close to Roadhog.
Adding fuel to the fire, some of the Pickmon designs closely resemble fan art that was never officially trademarked. When confronted, Pickmon’s official social media responded by asking critics to prove trademark rights, stating their professional art team has checked the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database and found no registered claims. They also said their legal counsel will review and adjust designs if needed.
But these replies haven’t stopped fans from demanding the game be scrapped altogether. One popular comment simply reads, “Delete the game and never exist again,” showing the level of frustration among the community.
What’s Next for Pickmos After the Controversy?
Right now, Pickmos has no release date and is confirmed only for PC via Steam. Other than the name swap and a new explanation for the title, the game’s content looks pretty much unchanged. The developer says they’re listening to feedback and have shared community concerns with their art director. Whether this leads to meaningful changes remains to be seen.
For now, Pickmos sits in a tricky spot, trying to carve out its own identity in a world that’s quick to point out what it’s copying. The hope from PocketGame is that the new name and their promised tweaks will help the game stand on its own two feet. But with fans still skeptical and comparisons flying fast, Pickmos has a long road ahead before it can shake off the shadow of Pokémon.
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