Reinventing Moonbirds: A New Vision Takes Flight
Moonbirds, a prominent player in the NFT space, is embarking on an exciting transformation that promises to redefine the boundaries of digital art and virtual interaction. This transformation is led by Colin Hesterly, an award-winning artist and director known for his work on Mythics. Hesterly’s appointment as the creative director signals a shift towards a more structured and commercially viable art direction for Moonbirds, moving away from its initial Creative Commons Zero (CC0) approach.
From Open Source to Ownership: The Shift in Moonbirds’ IP Strategy
Originally, Moonbirds followed a CC0 policy, allowing anyone to use, copy, modify, and distribute the artwork for free. However, in a recent pivot, the team announced that new Moonbirds art would be protected under traditional intellectual property (IP) rights, requiring ownership of a Moonbird to utilize the art for commercial purposes. This shift is aimed at enhancing the value of owning a Moonbird, giving collectors not just a piece of art but a stake in a growing digital universe.
The Moonbirds Universe: More Than Just Digital Art
The evolution of Moonbirds is not limited to changes in IP rights. The project is introducing a new art direction and 3D avatars, designed for animation and integration into digital realms like the Otherside. Furthermore, a new digital space called Volaria is being developed where Moonbirds owners can gather, interact, and immerse themselves in the evolving Moonbirds narrative. This integration of art, technology, and community is geared towards creating a more engaging and interactive experience for users.
Real-World Connections and Future Prospects
In addition to digital enhancements, Moonbirds is setting its sights on real-world integrations. Plans are underway for physical events and dedicated gatherings, such as a satellite event next to Apefest 2024 in Lisbon. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, bringing the community together in new and exciting ways.
Community and Creator Reactions
The community’s response to these changes has been mixed. While some applaud the new direction for enhancing the potential of their holdings and aligning with collector interests, others express skepticism, particularly concerning the reversal of the CC0 status. Critics argue that the foundational CC0 artwork remains free for public use, and the transition to IP-protected art might complicate the legacy and utility of the original pieces.
Critics of the Moonbirds’ recent pivot from CC0 to IP-protected artwork have voiced significant concerns, highlighting confusion and skepticism surrounding the changes. Notable voices in the community, such as Taylor.WTF and LeonidasNFT, have expressed doubts about the legal feasibility of reversing the CC0 decision. Taylor.WTF pointed out the irreversible nature of CC0, questioning the clarity of the shift: “I am fairly certain that designating something CC0 is irreversible. You relinquish rights. Am I confused?” Similarly, LeonidasNFT clarified the permanence of the original CC0 status, suggesting that while the old art remains free for public use, the new direction involves creating new art with IP restrictions: “The original Moonbirds art is CC0 forever. But ‘we’ll be introducing a new art direction’ means they will try to switch everyone to new art that does have IP restrictions.”
Furthermore, Beanie critiqued the strategic direction of Moonbirds’ managing company, drawing parallels with past projects that promised much but delivered little. His comment paints a picture of a company repeating past mistakes, potentially diluting the value of another prominent project, Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC): “Literal comedy from a company that sold hundreds of millions of dollars of virtual land a couple years ago to build another ‘universe’ that hasn’t materialized. This time with IP that the company doesn’t even own as it’s CC0. Dilutive to BAYC and already stretched thin resources.
Thoughts on @moonbirds:
1. People said you can't reverse CC0.
I said "Yes you can. Just give Moonbirds new art with new commercial rights."@Proof_xyz announced today they're doing exactly that.
2. No one fudded Moonbird Mythics.
It was perfectly executed, from minting to… pic.twitter.com/t13SE5ZiQ1
— Pixlit 😲 (@HeyPixlit) April 29, 2024
Conclusion
Moonbirds is setting a bold new course, aiming to enhance the value and utility of their NFTs through creative leadership, expanded IP rights, and a stronger community focus. While challenges remain, particularly in navigating the transition from a CC0 framework, the potential for a richer and more vibrant Moonbirds universe is evident. As the project continues to unfold, it will be fascinating to see how these changes impact the broader NFT landscape.
TLDR: Moonbirds is transforming under new creative direction with a shift from CC0 to IP-protected art, introducing 3D avatars, and building a digital home in Volaria, aiming to enhance collector value and community engagement.