When people think about non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies, they often wonder: What makes a digital asset valuable? While some projects focus on building a strong brand, others rely on community-driven hype. Two great examples of these different approaches are Pudgy Penguins and Dogecoin (DOGE).
Pudgy Penguins is an NFT collection that has grown beyond the crypto world, expanding into toys, merchandise, and licensing deals. Meanwhile, DOGE, originally created as a joke, has become one of the most well-known cryptocurrencies commonly used for tipping, payments, and internet culture movements.
Pudgy Penguins
- An NFT collection of 8,888 cute cartoon penguins symbolising love and empathy.
- Faced early setbacks due to failed promises and mismanagement by the original founders.
- Acquired and revived in 2022 by entrepreneur Luca Netz, who shifted focus to brand building and mainstream adoption.
- Expanded into physical products like toys sold in Walmart and developed a digital-physical experience with Pudgy World.
- Leveraged storytelling and social media (TikTok, Instagram) to grow beyond the Web3 space.
Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Launched in 2013 as a meme-based cryptocurrency featuring the Shiba Inu “Doge”.
- Gained early traction as a tipping currency on Reddit and Twitter.
- Experienced viral growth through grassroots efforts and major events, like funding the Jamaican bobsled team and endorsements from Elon Musk.
- Known for its meme culture, low transaction fees, and strong, loyal community (“Doge Army”).
- Despite its humorous beginnings, DOGE continues to be widely used for micro-payments and tipping.
Community engagement, cultural relevance, and real-world application are the key ingredients for long-term success in the Web3 space. Pudgy Penguins and Dogecoin, despite their differences, both demonstrate that a passionate community can turn a digital asset into a movement that lasts.
https://ca-lab.isca.org.sg/technicalities/pudgy-penguins-versus-dogecoin/