Casio Expands Into The Metaverse With G-SHOCK NFTs On Polygon

Casio will launch a virtual collection of G-SHOCK watches in December of this year.

Casio, the renowned Japanese electronics giant, is set to launch virtual G-SHOCK watches and a collection of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in partnership with Polygon Labs.

This innovative venture marks the company’s entry into the metaverse and the booming NFT space, taking the iconic G-SHOCK brand to new heights.

Virtual G-SHOCK

Casio’s collaboration with Polygon Labs aims to introduce the beloved G-SHOCK watch brand to the metaverse. The first step will be the release of virtual G-SHOCK watches, and the introduction of a collection of 15,000 NFT-based G-SHOCK Creator Passes.

These passes, powered by blockchain technology, grant holders exclusive access to a dedicated Discord channel, where they can actively participate in a unique co-creation competition.

The G-SHOCK community also invites users to propose and vote on designs for the G-SHOCK Creator Passes, with the winning concept eventually becoming an integral part of an NFT variant.

Distribution Phases and Inclusivity

Casio is adopting an inclusive approach to ensure the wider community’s involvement in this venture. The distribution of these NFT-based passes is scheduled in two phases:

The first phase, from September 23rd to 26th, is dedicated to individuals who have registered for a CASIO ID on the company’s official membership site. Following this, the public distribution phase will commence from September 26th to 29th, allowing more enthusiasts to join in on the excitement.

Capitalizing on G-SHOCK’s Popularity

G-SHOCK watches have been a flagship product for Casio, known for their robust and shock-resistant properties.

The timing of this announcement coincides with Casio’s recent trademark application filed on August 22nd, 2023. 

This application encompasses a wide range of domains, including virtual clothing, NFT-backed media, watches, and virtual goods storefronts, signaling Casio’s comprehensive approach to the virtual world.

Polygon: The Natural Choice for Casio

Casio’s choice to partner with Polygon Labs for this venture was driven by Polygon‘s capacity to facilitate rapid transactions and maintain a carbon-neutral footprint while managing NFTs.

Takahashi Oh, Senior General Manager of Timepieces at Casio, shared his thoughts on this innovative initiative, saying, “The co-creation of the Virtual G-Shock Project aims to increase the presence of the G-Shock brand in the virtual and Web3 worlds and to foster a culture of wearing watches in the virtual world.”

Joining the Ranks of Metaverse Pioneers

Casio’s partnership places the company among esteemed brands like Starbucks, Adidas, and DraftKings, all of which have embarked on their respective NFT projects in collaboration with Polygon Labs. This collective effort reflects the increasing interest of major brands in harnessing the potential of blockchain technology and the metaverse.

Final Thoughts

As the digital and physical realms continue to merge, Casio’s foray into the metaverse with virtual G-SHOCK watches and NFTs demonstrates the brand’s commitment to innovation and its eagerness to explore new horizons. With the co-creation of the Virtual G-Shock Project, Casio is not only preserving the legacy of its specialized watches but also ensuring its relevance in the virtual and Web3 worlds, where timekeeping meets the metaverse.