Breaking the 12-year ‘dogcoin’ status quo
For over a decade, dog-themed tokens like Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Floki (FLOKI) have been dominating the memecoin landscape. This trend started back in 2013 when Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer decided to create DOGE as a joke to make fun of the wild speculation around cryptocurrencies.
The playful branding and community-driven spirit of these projects have made “dogcoins” synonymous with the memecoin category, overshadowing other potential narratives. This situation caused the current memecoin trend to follow a repetitive cycle: new tokens emerge, capitalize on existing trends, get their 15 minutes of fame and die down without introducing fresh ideas.
As time has shown, this effortless model is neither sustainable nor interesting, with over 2,000 memecoins dying every month. Internet culture is constantly evolving, and people have started to demand actual stories and unique identities that add real value to these tokens.
A narrative-driven approach with a focus on an ‘undercat’ story
A new wave of memecoins is shifting focus from trend-based speculation to storytelling and immersive brand-building. One example is cat in a dogs world (MEW), a cat-themed cryptocurrency that prioritizes narrative above all else. It tells a universal story of resilience and individuality, appealing to those who feel out of place in established systems.
“I know you're out there. I can feel you now.I know that you're afraid... you're afraid of us. You're afraid of change.”
— MEW (@mew) December 21, 2024
📍🐕🌏✨ pic.twitter.com/f3dY72B89V
Launched in March 2024 and based on Solana, MEW quickly gained traction as a cat-themed token, reaching a peak market cap of over $1 billion and attracting a global community of over 200,000 holders. However, its ambitions extend beyond token price movements.
Inspired by enduring worldbuilding powerhouses like Marvel, DC, and Studio Ghibli, MEW aims to establish an intellectual property (IP) that can span generations and appeal to a general audience. Through immersive worldbuilding, the catcoin crafts high-quality, narrative-driven content designed to entertain, engage and create lasting emotional connections.
A cultural bridge between Web2 and Web3
MEW expands its reach by integrating its IP across multiple industries, including entertainment, lifestyle and gaming. This strategic approach aims to welcome Web2 audiences into the Web3 space, creating a seamless transition for those unfamiliar with blockchain-based assets.
One of the key components of MEW’s outreach strategy is its presence at major anime and comic conventions. These events serve as an entry point for non-crypto users, allowing them to experience the MEW ecosystem firsthand. Numerous attendees have created their first Web3 wallets after engaging with MEW’s immersive exhibits, effectively onboarding them into the space.
— MEW (@mew) February 18, 2025
Beyond conventions, MEW invests in high-quality digital content, gaming, fashion and collectibles. The more depth and world-building MEW incorporates into its core, the more opportunities it creates for audiences to interact with it across different mediums. Recognizing the vast size of Web2 audiences compared to Web3, MEW’s strategy prioritizes accessible and familiar formats to drive mainstream adoption.
Expanding cultural reach via partnerships
Strategic partnerships play a crucial role in MEW’s expansion. By collaborating with established names in animation, gaming and digital media, MEW ensures its brand reaches a global audience across multiple entertainment platforms.
MEW has partnered with 3D animation studio Locus to produce movie and TV-quality animations for premium platforms. Locus, known for projects like Red Shoes and Yumi’s Cells, has distributed content across 128 countries, bringing MEW’s universe to a worldwide audience.
In addition, MEW collaborates with 2D animation team Combo Studio, whose portfolio includes work on Netflix’s Agent Elvis, Amazon Prime’s Hazbin Hotel and Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty. Through these partnerships, MEW creates short-form and long-form animated content that captivates and expands its audience.
Gaming is another core pillar of MEW’s strategy. Leveraging its IP, MEW aims to connect with over 2 billion gamers worldwide. Collaborating with Paris-based agency Publicis and an in-house team comprising talent from top gaming studios, MEW is developing high-fidelity games designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of players, from casual gamers to strategy enthusiasts.
Building for longevity and generational relevance
MEW’s commitment to long-term cultural relevance extends beyond digital media. The project aligns with contemporary values of individuality, self-expression and social impact, reinforcing its brand identity through strategic initiatives in fashion, consumer products and philanthropy.
mew merch ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PJVwlNwqBt
— MEW (@mew) January 7, 2025
A MEW-themed merchandise line will encapsulate the project’s lore, while collaborations with fashion companies further drive discoverability.
Beyond entertainment, MEW demonstrates a commitment to meaningful causes. The project recently donated $10,000 to the Pasadena Humane Organization to support emergency relief efforts for animals affected by the California wildfires. This initiative underscores MEW’s broader vision — leveraging its growing influence to contribute positively to both the crypto space and the real world.
As the memecoin space matures, projects like MEW that build strong narratives, establish cross-industry partnerships and affect mainstream audiences have the potential to shape the future of this sector.
Disclaimer. Cointelegraph does not endorse any content or product on this page. While we aim at providing you with all important information that we could obtain in this sponsored article, readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company and carry full responsibility for their decisions, nor can this article be considered as investment advice.