A new game, Pickmon, is rapidly gaining attention – and raising eyebrows – for its striking similarities to established franchises like Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game, developed by Pokegame and published by NETWORKGO, has ignited a debate online about the line between inspiration and outright imitation.
The initial trailer for Pickmon, released on March 6, 2026, immediately drew comparisons to Nintendo’s beloved titles. A character resembling Link from the Zelda series is shown gliding from a cliffside reminiscent of Breath of the Wild’s Great Plateau, accompanied by familiar piano melodies. Adding to the resemblance, a creature closely mirroring Pikachu clings to the character’s shoulder, while a dragon-like being evokes Rayquaza from the Pokémon universe, all within the first few seconds of the footage. The game is currently available to wishlist on Steam, with plans for a future release on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, according to the developers.
The similarities don’t stop there. Pickmon features monster collecting mechanics akin to Pokémon, alongside open-world survival and crafting elements that echo Palworld, another recent title that faced scrutiny for its perceived similarities to Pokémon. IGN reports that the game also incorporates rudimentary base-building and farming mechanics, further blurring the lines between established game designs.
The developers appear to be leaning into the comparisons, with the studio’s name, Pokegame, itself a clear nod to the Pokémon franchise. This brazen approach has led many to question whether Nintendo will capture legal action. Nintendo has a well-documented history of aggressively protecting its intellectual property, as evidenced by a current lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developers of Palworld, filed in November 2024, concerning alleged copyright infringement related to monster-summoning mechanics. Polygon notes that Nintendo is currently engaged in a legal battle with the United States government over tariffs, which may influence the timing of any response to Pickmon.
Beyond Pokémon and Zelda, the game also appears to draw inspiration from other titles. Notably, a character resembling Roadhog from Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch was spotted in the reveal trailer, raising questions about potential copyright concerns from multiple developers. The core gameplay loop involves taming creatures using cards, a mechanic that, while not exclusive to any one franchise, adds another layer to the game’s complex web of influences.
Pickmon is described as a multiplayer open-world survival crafter where players can team up with monsters to fight enemies, gather resources, and build “industrial empires,” according to its Steam page. The game supports up to 32 players and emphasizes open-world exploration and survival. GAMES.GG highlights the game’s blend of creature collecting and adventure elements as key features.
The question now is whether Nintendo will choose to address Pickmon’s overt similarities to its intellectual property. Given the company’s history and ongoing legal battles, a response seems plausible, though the timing remains uncertain. The situation will likely be closely watched by both the gaming community and legal experts alike.
As Pickmon approaches its planned release, the debate surrounding its originality is likely to intensify. The game’s success will depend not only on its gameplay but also on how it navigates the complex legal landscape surrounding its inspirations. The coming months will reveal whether Pickmon can carve out its own niche or if it will ultimately be overshadowed by the franchises it so openly emulates.
What do you think – is Pickmon a clever mashup or a blatant copy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
