Polygon (MATIC) has once again landed a big name. Casio Computer Co., Ltd. has unveiled its plans to launch the virtual G-SHOCK project, an interactive user community aimed at bridging the gap between the iconic G-SHOCK line of shock-resistant watches and its global user base. This initiative will see the distribution of 15,000 limited-edition G-SHOCK Creator Pass NFTs, exclusively minted on the Polygon blockchain, set to commence on September 23, 2023.

Polygon x G-SHOCK

The G-SHOCK brand, which first made its debut in 1983, has since carved out an unparalleled niche for itself, collaborating with influential figures across various cultural domains, from fashion and sports to art and music. “To broaden the user base even further, Casio is using such fast-growing digital technologies as NFTs and the metaverse for its virtual community, opening the door to co-creative projects and other all-new experiences,” the official press release states.

The virtual G-SHOCK community will first be launched on Discord first, a US-based communication platform, where the initial distribution of the 15,000 G-SHOCK Creator Pass NFTs will take place. These passes will grant holders exclusive access to co-creative projects and events within the community. One of the first initiatives includes the G-SHOCK Creator Pass Color Design Contest, where community members will have the opportunity to create and vote on the design of the pass.

“This project is just the beginning of the new virtual experiences that Casio will deliver for G-SHOCK users,” the press release further emphasized. Casio’s partnership with Ethereum scaling developer, Polygon Labs, is strategic.

The collaboration aims to launch the virtual G-SHOCK watch on Polygon’s protocols, starting with the NFT-based community access passes. Casio’s decision to choose Polygon was attributed to its capability to offer “lightning-fast transactions to make the process of minting and managing their NFTs seamless, convenient and carbon-neutral.”

Takahashi Oh, Casio Senior General Manager of Timepieces, was quoted saying, “At its core, our virtual G-SHOCK was built to be accessible, innovative and inclusive, meaning that user experience must be frictionless and simple. This is why Polygon was the most natural and logical choice for us.”

Remarkably, this move by Casio is not isolated. Other major brands such as Nike, Adidas, Disney, Adobe, Meta, Stripe, Prada, 7-Eleven and Starbucks have also launched their NFT initiatives on the Polygon network, highlighting the platform’s growing appeal to global brands.

At press time, the MATIC price was unimpressed by the news and continued its downtrend, which has been in place since early the beginning of March 2023. Breaking above the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level at $0.5855 is crucial as it would also mark a breakout from the downtrend channel.