enGEN3 Partners with Oni Force to Launch “Oni Hunter X” Project

A new partnership has been formed between enGEN3, a participatory storytelling platform, and Oni Force, a Web3 anime brand, to develop “Oni Hunter X.” This initiative will mark one of the first story worlds utilizing enGEN3’s infrastructure for licensed fan co-creation, distribution, and revenue sharing. The announcement comes as enGEN3 joins the GK Labs ecosystem, which has made an undisclosed seed investment in the platform’s current funding round.

“Oni Hunter X” originated from IMCMPLX and was nurtured within the Oni Force community. The series features the anti-hero Joji and is crafted by Paul Jenkins, an Eisner Award-winning writer known for his work with Marvel on titles like “Inhumans” and “Wolverine: Origin.” The project was first showcased at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2023, with a full release slated for 2026 as part of a broader multimedia initiative.

Jenkins emphasized the collaborative potential of this project, stating, “The future lies not with Artificial Intelligence alone, but with the Joint Intelligence of creator and AI combined.” He described enGEN3 as a platform that offers ethically sourced tools that support creators rather than appropriating their work without consent.

The enthusiasm for this collaboration extends to Jordan Bayne, founder and CEO of The Squad and enGEN3, who remarked, “‘Oni Hunter X’ is an incredible project. Oni Force and Paul Jenkins are the perfect creative partners to show what’s possible when a legendary IP architect works with infrastructure designed for fan participation.” He expressed excitement about joining GK Labs and highlighted the potential economic value of fan-driven and derivative creation, estimated to be between $100 billion and $300 billion.

Henry Finn, CEO of Oni Force, noted the evolving landscape of entertainment, stating, “The future of entertainment is going to be built on IP that can scale with its audience. enGEN3 gives ‘Oni Hunter X’ the infrastructure to do that properly, where fans can contribute to the world we’re building and share in the value they help create.” He contrasted this approach with traditional studios, pointing out the innovative nature of the partnership.

In addition to enGEN3 and Oni Force, independent entertainment group Goldfinch and production company The Squad will aid in the development, packaging, and production of “Oni Hunter X.” EnGEN3, co-owned by The Squad and Goldfinch, integrates storytelling with creative tools and licensed fan participation.

The platform has recently expanded its advisory board, which now includes Finn from the Oni Force/GK Labs ecosystem, alongside Alanna LaForet, a former executive at ConsenSys, Google, and Condé Nast, and Mike Gamble, whose extensive career includes roles at SEGA, Microsoft, THQ, and Epic Games. HaZ Dulull, known for his work on “2036: Origin Unknown” and as a cinematics director for “Dune: Awakening,” also joins as an advisor.

EnGEN3 is currently onboarding a select group of creators, intellectual property owners, and partners for its Creator Partner Programme, set to launch in February. This initiative will precede a wider platform rollout to early access users in March, aiming to redefine the interaction between fans and creators in the digital storytelling landscape.