Genopets: Pixelton Arena is a turn-based battle game built as a Telegram mini-app, using a performance-based progression system to drive engagement. The “Win → Rank → Earn” loop links gameplay outcomes to ranking and reward opportunities, supporting retention and competitive play at scale.
Role & Team
I worked as a Senior Art Director, responsible for game art, visual design, and event-related visuals across in-game experiences and player-facing moments. I collaborated closely with the art lead and cross-functional partners to ensure visual alignment with gameplay, product goals, and live events.
Project Goal
Pixelton Arena expands the Genopets ecosystem through a battle-focused experience distributed via Telegram. It combines nostalgic turn-based gameplay with personalized Genopets, PvP battles, and leaderboard-driven progression tied to potential rewards, supporting Monarch Nascent’s Web3 vision.
Target Users
The game targets a broad but intentional audience, including Telegram-native users, nostalgic gamers, existing Genopets players, socially motivated competitors, Web3 enthusiasts, and mobile-first gamers. By blending retro gameplay mechanics, social interaction, and blockchain-enabled incentives, Pixelton Arena was designed to appeal to both casual players and more engaged Web3 users.
Visual Art, Game Art & Marketing Support
The visual style draws inspiration from classic Japanese RPGs and arcade games, using pixel art to evoke nostalgia while incorporating modern design considerations. The result is a charming, retro aesthetic that feels familiar yet polished, and remains visually clear and engaging on high-resolution displays and mobile devices.
The visual direction for Pixelton Arena combined retro-inspired game art with a cohesive visual system that extended beyond gameplay. The pixel art style drew from classic Japanese RPGs and arcade games, creating a nostalgic yet modern aesthetic optimized for mobile and high-resolution displays. In addition to in-game visuals, the art direction supported player engagement and product growth through marketing touchpoints. This included Pixelton Arena sticker packs for Telegram, promotional videos, exclusive Genopets in-app item artwork, and event booth displays. Together, these assets reinforced the game’s identity across gameplay, social channels, and live events, ensuring a consistent visual experience throughout the player journey.
Project Learnings
This project focused on learning how players engage with competitive gameplay, reward mechanics, and airdrop-related incentives within a Telegram-based experience. By introducing new features and monitoring player behavior, the team gathered insights to refine gameplay balance, improve the reward flow, and continuously optimize the experience to support long-term engagement and enjoyment.