Following widespread fan complaints over copied character designs, the developer of upcoming Steam Pokémon-like Pickmon has stated it’s now altering the sport’s title — by one letter — to Pickmos.
Pickmon, or relatively Pickmos, was unveiled final month to widespread criticism from Pokémon followers, who identified the numerous similarities in its roster of monsters to the likes of Pikachu, Charizard and Lucario. The sport’s trailer even incorporates a hero who could possibly be mistaken for The Legend of Zelda’s Hyperlink, who glides off of a mountain high in what could possibly be scene from Breath of the Wild.
Response to the trailer was universally damaging, with many followers actively calling for Nintendo to lawyer up and sue Pickmos’ developer PocketGame (to not be confused with PocketPair, the developer of Palworld, which Nintendo really is suing).
“Pricey Gamers, for the reason that starting of improvement, we’ve been devoted to constructing a novel and profound ecological world,” PocketGame wrote in an announcement posted to social media as we speak. “To raised align with our model identification and lore, our title is formally altering: Pickmon → Pickmos.
“What does ‘-mos’ characterize? A whole Ecosystem. A grand Cosmos. This title carries a extra highly effective presence, performing as a greater vessel for the fantasy journey we’re constructing for you. However we cute creatures, are nonetheless collectively often known as Pickmon! See you on the earth of Pickmos!”
Aside from the title change, nothing else in regards to the recreation seems to have modified since final month. Certainly, the message was shared alongside one other have a look at the sport’s idea artwork, with designs just like Pokémon nonetheless current.
Game Renaming Announcement:The Evolution of Pickmos
Pricey Gamers,
Because the starting of improvement,
we’ve been devoted to constructing
a novel and profound ecological world.
To raised align with our model identification and lore,
our title is formally altering:… pic.twitter.com/3sgnTkvbTd— Pickmos / Pickmon / ピックモス (@PickMon_EN) April 10, 2026
Of specific observe in that idea artwork is a creature just like Mega Meganium, an unofficial monster drawn by a fan in a design which many have stated Pickmon has since copied with out credit score. The official Pickmon social media account has even begun responding to feedback about this example with a boilerplate assertion, basically saying that it believes it’s legally high-quality to take action:
“Might you please ask Mr. Fakemon to offer proof of the trademark rights for the designs in query?” the Pickmon account wrote, in message posted to varied vital feedback. “Our designs are dealt with by an expert group that manages all trademark filings. Our group has searched the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Workplace) database and located no document of Mr. Fakemon’s firm holding logos for the creatures proven in your photos. If there are any legit issues, our authorized counsel will coordinate with our Artwork Director to make the required changes.”
Response to as we speak’s title change doesn’t appear to have improved fan notion of the sport. “Delete the sport and by no means exist once more,” reads one response on X/Twitter with tons of of likes. “You stolen many artist’s design.”
“You suppose we’re silly?” reads one other reply. “Everybody is aware of that you just’re making nothing greater than blatant plagiarized slop with no creativity or identification to face out. I assumed Palworld was dangerous, you made me change my thoughts after not solely plagiarizing Pokémon, but additionally fakemon, Zelda, Overwatch, and so on.”
“We have now shared the group’s suggestions with our Artwork Director for additional evaluate,” the official account responded.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You possibly can attain Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social