TL;DR: With a new update or NFT collection being released almost every day, it’s clear the crypto ecosystem is constantly evolving. Deadfellaz is one of the NFT collections paving the road to the digital universe — but it’s just the beginning. Knowing what brought it here and why it was created will lead you to make better decisions when investing or simply interacting with Deadfellaz.
In this article, we’re gonna dive into the Deadfellaz lore, answer all the Deadfellaz-related questions and even more. Prepare yourself for a fantasy story and a journey to the future of Deadfellaz!
What is Deadfellaz?
Deadfellaz is an NFT collection of 9,999 zombified characters that roam the Ethereum blockchain.
What’s the NFT culture without its horror corner? Deadfellaz perfectly fills that void with its chilling art. Designed by several artists, the artwork features a diverse set of zombies with quirky features from their past lives.
Deadfellaz is calling out all the horror fans to their horde, and your name is on the list! 🧟♂️
Owning an NFT is different than screenshotting a JPEG - just like holding an original Rembrandt is more valuable than owning a replica. As their name suggests, NFTs are non-fungible by design. This is different from digital tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Fungible assets can be exchanged for another asset of the same type, much like BTC, ETH, or even fiat. NFTs, on the other hand, are unique assets where their ownership details are documented on the blockchain, ensuring digital scarcity and unique attributes for each asset.
But how exactly is digital scarcity being enforced?
The concept of NFTs first emerged in 2012 with the creation of Colored Coins, which could be used to represent real-world assets on the blockchain. However, Colored Coins only worked in a permitted environment, making it more similar to a database than anything else.
As the crypto industry became more popular, people have continued to experiment with the idea of a digitally scarce asset. This led to the creation of ERC-721 and ERC-1155.
The ERC-721 standard is like a set of rules for making NFTs. These actions help in making special tokens with their unique information, making them different from one another.
Behind the scenes, ERC-721 smart contracts keep a list of who owns which token, making it safe to pass tokens from one person to another. The contract also keeps count of how many tokens there are altogether and how many each person has.
As previously mentioned, Deadfellaz NFTs are secured by the Ethereum blockchain. Ownership and transaction history are publicly visible on the Ethereum blockchain along with other important info such as the NFT's metadata.
Understanding how to access an NFT's metadata is essential for holders to grasp the specifics of what they're buying.
Metadata usually includes visual attributes like color, type, wearables, and so on. On the blockchain, it looks something like this:
Deadfellaz have their own set of traits that make up their uniqueness. These are backgrounds, body, body grade, eyes, eyes grade, grade combo, head, head grade, mouth, mouth grade, nose, and nose grade. These traits are then subdivided into sub traits i.e. Body ➡️ Red Tracksuit.
Rather than individual traits being rare, rarity stems from specific combinations of traits. The collection's secret traits are not explicitly listed but rather discovered. NFTs with secret traits become increasingly valuable compared to the rest.
The Deadfellaz NFT collection has been generated from a mixture of 300 unique traits that are a combination of chilling and cute features, including streetwear items, tattoos, and gaming culture. Out of the potential combinations, only 9,999 Deadfellaz will ever exist!
In addition to the original mint, the creator has released two more secondary collections: Betty Pop Horror, and Deadfrenz.
The Betty Pop Horror collection was released shortly after the Deadefellaz Infected S1 release. This special collection included 225 NFTs featuring Betty in different interpretations inspired by classic horror icons from pop culture.
In February 2022, the Deadfellaz crew introduced Deadfrenz, a companion project featuring 13,000 NFTs designed to complement the original collection, highlighting the gaming aspect. The NFTs depict "ex-zoo animals," including undead rabbits, tigers, bats, birds, and various other species. The project is centred around a play-to-earn NFT trading card game, serving as the foundation for several connected Deadfellaz gaming and media IPs.
What is the utility of Deadfellaz?
Deadfellaz make for an awesome avatar pic, but it’s also your ticket to the Deadfellas horde.
The Horde gathers in a Discord channel, where NFT holders interact, brainstorm, and come up with new ways of improving the Deadfellaz brand.
Holding an OG Deadfellaz NFT gives you a chance to receive new NFT drops. And the good news is: every year there’s a new Season!
Each Halloween, Deadfellaz collaborates with various artists, spreading a unique creative contagion. Participating artists craft a distinct piece inspired by the Deadfellaz characters and themes like death, anime, punk, horror, and video games, infusing their artistic styles into the collective body of work.
Stepping into the gaming realm, Deadfellaz introduced its latest venture: RIP TCG. Departing from traditional play-to-earn models in Web3 games, the focus centres on an immersive gaming experience rather than purely focusing on earning incentives. The game, spearheaded by Psych and his team, promises an adrenaline-packed 3D combat, offering deep card customization and an intriguingly dark yet playful universe.
In a departure from conventional Web3 games, RIP TCG is aiming to prioritize the aspects that make gaming genuinely enjoyable. Months of extensive research and development have gone into crafting the game's unique mechanics. It will incorporate blockchain-powered utilities such as on-chain XP and visual customization, granting distinct characteristics to each card.
This groundbreaking gaming endeavour is a collaboration with an undisclosed AAA game studio, known for its work on major titles including Battlefield, Star Wars, Madden, Fable, Forza, Minecraft, and Hearthstone.
The Alpha version of RIP TCG is anticipated to launch in 2024, followed by the Beta in 2025. A team of 16 accomplished developers is all set to initiate the project's next phase this October in Vancouver.
As the Deadfellaz brand expands, NFT holders will be able to continually earn rewards. Whether you are hodling for a season or longer, the Deadfellaz ecosystem continues to explore new ways of keeping holders engaged.
Who created Deadfellaz?
Deadfellaz was created by two anonymous creators, “Betty” and “Psych”, in August 2021.
Betty, famously dubbed the "Horde Mother" of the collection and community, opted for anonymity until mid-2022.
Betty and her husband, Psych, first got in touch with the NFT culture in 2021. Back then, her husband had reconnected with his art collective, Depth Core, and the journey was afoot. Depth Core, an assembly of pioneering digital artists, prompted Psych to venture into NFTs, and Betty became instantly excited about the idea. The technology's decentralized nature and the potential to empower artists immediately resonated with her innovative spirit.
Betty recognised the liberating potential of NFTs, particularly in providing artistic freedom. For her husband, who worked under a pseudonym due to corporate constraints, the prospect of breaking free from the confinements of corporate settings and rules was exhilarating. With NFTs, artists like Psych could abandon limitations, unrestricted by conventions, and focus solely on the bounds of their imagination.
The couple plunged into the NFT world, using their living space for creative discussions. As married individuals with three children, they navigated meetings about Deadfellaz as invigorating brainstorming sessions. Their collaboration allowed them to experiment and try novel concepts with an enthusiasm for innovation.
Betty's launch of Deadfellaz on Friday the 13th was no random coincidence. Inspired by the spooky nature of the characters, the chosen date carried a deeper significance. With a starting mint price of .025 ETH, the team aimed to keep the entry point accessible in the NFT space.
What drove people’s attention was the distinctive art embodied by the Deadfellaz. At the time, NFTs didn’t have any horror-vibe collections – every other collection doubled down on cute art.
"I didn’t feel represented in any existing offerings. I firmly believe in identifying gaps or unmet needs and working to actualise those ideals. If you're sensing it, others likely are too,” said Betty during one of her interviews.
The project's success isn't based on typical pump-and-dump strategies or paid advertising. Instead, they seek to establish Deadfellaz as a longstanding and innovative brand. The team's vision revolves around pioneering new technologies, experiences, and opportunities for their holders.
Who is developing Deadfellaz now?
Deadfellaz is being maintained by DFZ Labs, which is headquartered in Los Angeles.
DFZ Labs has been established to serve as an overarching entity housing the progress made by Deadfellaz in Animation, Content Creation, Gaming, Music, and Fashion. The term “DFZ” will is used as the official reference when discussing the complete ecosystem that encompasses PFP/Art Collections, IP partnerships, and various products.
A year after the project launched, DFZ Labs decided it was time to introduce narrative and visual developments. This led to the hiring of India Weston and Leon Lee as the department leads.
India Weston, professionally known as 1ND14, is a highly sought-after game writer and narrative designer within the Web3 gaming sphere. Her expertise involves crafting captivating worlds in blockchain gaming environments. With a background as a senior game writer for two large-scale Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) such as The Parasite and the award-winning Terrarium, which claimed the 2020 IndieCade Award for Best Location-Based and Live Play Design, Weston has showcased her narrative prowess.
Leon Lee, also known as GentleSpud, averse to self-promotion, allows his artistry to speak for him. His background in the animation industry, having contributed to acclaimed entities like DreamWorks Animation, Renegade Animation, and JuVee Productions, demonstrates his rich experience. Transitioning into the Web3 realm, Lee actively contributes to expanding the Deadfellaz universe.
In 2023, DFZ Labs has been joined by 3 advisors, tasked with supporting and guiding the brand’s business model.
Kai Henry, an accomplished innovator and entrepreneur in the entertainment industry, is recognized as a prominent figure focusing on the integration of commerce and culture. He most recently held the position of Chief Strategy Officer at FaZe Clan, where he supervised the company's creative direction and Web3 strategy, collaborating closely with founders and key stakeholders.
Yonatan Hagos is a corporate attorney specializing in establishing regulatory-compliant frameworks for disruptive industries, particularly for culturally impactful brands and influential figures. Presently, he operates his independent practice, representing various influencers such as FaZe Banks, Kai Henry, ThankYouX, Trippy Labs, and others.
Naveen Jain is a seasoned entrepreneur who independently grew his initial business into an eight-figure enterprise. His first company, Sparkart, notably revolutionized digital marketing and e-commerce strategies for a spectrum of legendary artists like Radiohead, Carrie Underwood, Slipknot, Linkin Park, KoRn, Ghost, The Killers, Lil Wayne, and several others.
Investors are also an important component of every ecosystem. Although they don’t get involved directly in the governance of the project, they do exert an influence over the brand’s expansion into the mainstream. As of 2023, Deadfellaz hasn’t pursued any strategic funding.
In the near future, Deadfellaz plans to launch THE DAO OF THE DEAD.
The DAO will primarily centre on voluntary creative ventures, funding group projects, and spotlighting the DF brand's influence via artist residencies approved by the DAO. Details about a governance structure remain unknown, for now.
How does Deadfellaz make money?
Now, let’s get to the juicy part – how does Deadfellaz make money?💰 (No, flipping and rug pulling are not the correct answers)
The answer to this question is strongly related to intellectual property.
Think of popular trademarks such as Mickey Mouse, Spider-Man, or Coca-Cola. Every time you see movies, books merch, or posters with them, know that the owners of the IP get a share of the profits. The same thing goes for NFT holders, in theory.
When it comes to NFTs, it’s quite challenging to fit them into the traditional framework of copyright law. To give more context, owning an NFT doesn’t mean holders have automatic control over the creative work. This creative control needs to be granted by the creator.
As such, NFT holders should pay attention to what IP rights, if any, come with owning the NFT.
The purchase of the NFT does not grant any profit-sharing interest or equity in Deadfellaz, ownership of intellectual property, or any other rights. For more info, read their terms & conditions.
Another way of generating revenue is via royalties. As of 2023, Deadfellaz makes 5% of every secondary sale.
The mission of Deadfellaz is to use its IP to extend into the gaming and merchandising sectors. To achieve its objective, DFZ Labs has forged several partnerships.
In December 2021, Deadfellaz formed a groundbreaking partnership with Jadu, a pioneering team in augmented reality (AR). The collaboration led to the launch of Jadu Hoverboards, an exclusive line of NFTs enabling avatars to take flight within the Metaverse. These hoverboards, coupled with Jadu Jetpacks, served as essential modes of transport in Jadu’s Augmented Reality World: The Mirrorverse.
This strategic alliance also involved the creation of 3D rigged chibi avatars representing Betty & Psych. These avatars, tailored for gaming experiences, expanded the range of AR opportunities accessible through Jadu, complementing the previously announced 3D avatars slated for minting in 2022.
The much-anticipated minting event saw 5,555 Hoverboards launched at 0.222 ETH on 12/12. Due to high demand with 60,000+ compatible avatars and limited Hoverboards (5555), a fair raffle was initiated to determine entry into the Presale List. The raffle exclusively invited original Deadfellaz holders (from the 10k collection), ensuring an opportunity for participation.
This landmark partnership with Jadu propelled Deadfellaz into the forefront of the AR Metaverse, offering exclusive and immersive experiences for holders. The meticulously managed minting event and raffle demonstrated thoughtful planning and engaged the community in an equitable distribution process.
On January 21, 2022, The Deadfellaz team partnered with accomplished pixel artists, Pxl Hns, and Jeremy Pires, to expand the Deadfellaz collection into 2D/pixel-based metaverse spaces. All 10,000 original collection pieces are pixelated, providing holders with the exciting utility of playing as their chosen Deadfellaz in spaces designed for pixel characters. This utility feature was introduced not through minting but through token-gated access as the pixelation of the collection was completed.
Initially, the collaboration began with the 2D metaverse ‘Worldwide Webb,’ an Ethereum-based interoperable pixel metaverse. Within this virtual realm, players had the opportunity to own land, equip their NFTs, and enjoy various experiences. Deadfellaz established a significant presence in this metaverse, securing a spacious apartment and penthouse. These spaces served as a communal hub, offering various activities like quests, mini-games, and social gatherings.
The development of Pixelfellaz was designed to lay the groundwork for assets. While the focus was on integrating with existing metaverse environments, these assets were intended to become a valuable resource for potential independent Deadfellaz developments or games in the future.
Venturing into various metaverse landscapes, Deadfellaz embarked on a journey to create diverse representations across these platforms. These representations include Pixel Deadfellaz, Voxel Deadfellaz, 3D Chibi Deadfellaz, and 3D Deadfellaz.
Beyond mere social interaction, these worlds have their own frameworks designed for markets, PvP, and play-to-earn ecosystems, exclusive to each platform such as Nifty Islands or Decentraland. To empower holders to embody their preferred form and connect seamlessly, the team partnered with Props Labs to introduce PFP Metawrapping to the DF10K collection. This innovative concept allows for the generation of metaverse-inspired avatars that mirror the traits of each DF10K NFT but in distinct styles, ensuring the original collection remains unaltered.
This initiative enables Deadfellaz holders to proudly represent their metaverse communities with a Deadfella PFP, establishing a visual connection between the avatar and its integrated platform. As the web3 space progresses and more metaverse worlds arise, the wrapping options will expand, ensuring limitless potential.
In April 2022, Deadfellaz partnered with United Talent Agency (UTA) to collaboratively broaden the brand's intellectual property (IP) into merchandising, live events, and gaming ventures.
In that same month, Deadfellaz forged partnerships with snowboard and ski manufacturer Gilson, offering holders the chance to customize their snowboard or skis with Deadfellaz NFT artwork.
Additionally, collaborations were established with the digital art platform KnownOrigin to showcase artists within the Deadfellaz ecosystem and luxury fashion and streetwear NFT collectables site neuno.
Thanks to the unique artwork, Deadfellaz has partnered with several e-commerce brands.
On September 8, 2022, American heritage denim brand Wrangler Jeans collaborated with Deadfellaz.
To kick off the program, Deadfellaz rolled out a contest offering fans the chance to score digital and physical rewards. Participants teamed up to craft their unique "choose-your-own-adventure" art and designs.
Where can I buy Deadfellaz?
You can buy Deadfellaz on OpenSea.
