Web3 Anime 'Oni Hunter X' Teams With enGEN3 to Revolutionize Fan Creation—Turning $300B Fan Economy Into Monetizable Layer

BY Riley Quinn • FEBRUARY 5 2026 AT 4:00 AM ET

In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the $100-300 billion fan creation economy, Web3 anime sensation 'Oni Hunter X' has partnered with enGEN3 to launch a first-of-its-kind fan co-creation platform. This collaboration, announced today, will allow fans to not only contribute to the story world but also share in the revenue—a direct challenge to traditional studio models.

The partnership comes as enGEN3 secures seed investment from GK Labs, joining its ecosystem as a flagship project. 'Oni Hunter X,' originally created by IMCMPLX and incubated by the Oni Force community, features anti-hero Joji and is brought to life by Eisner Award-winning writer Paul Jenkins (Marvel's 'Inhumans,' 'Wolverine: Origin'). First previewed at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, the full series is set for a 2026 release as part of a larger multimedia push.

Paul Jenkins emphasized the ethical angle: 'The future is Joint Intelligence—creator and AI combined. enGEN3 offers an ethically sourced AI tool that supports creatives, not appropriates their work.' This stance positions the platform as a counter to AI controversies in entertainment.

Jordan Bayne, founder and CEO of The Squad and enGEN3, highlighted the scale: 'We're turning fan-driven creation into a structured, monetizable layer of the creative economy. With 'Oni Hunter X' and Paul Jenkins, we're showing what's possible when legendary IP meets fan participation infrastructure.' enGEN3 is set to launch publicly in Q1, with a Creator Partner Programme starting in February and early access in March.

Henry Finn, CEO of Oni Force, called it a 'game changer': 'IP must scale with its audience. enGEN3 gives fans a stake in the value they create—something traditional studios don't do.' The collaboration is supported by Goldfinch and The Squad, with enGEN3's advisory board bolstered by industry heavyweights from ConsenSys, Google, SEGA, and film projects like 'Dune: Awakening.'

This move taps into the growing demand for interactive, community-driven content in the Web3 space, potentially setting a new standard for how anime and other media engage with fans in the digital age.

THE ENTBASE VIEW

"This isn't just another anime announcement—it's a seismic shift in how entertainment IP is built and monetized. By giving fans a real stake in creation and revenue, 'Oni Hunter X' and enGEN3 are directly challenging the closed-door studio model. In an era where AI and fan content are hot-button issues, their focus on ethical AI and Joint Intelligence could win over skeptics. The $300B fan economy figure is eye-catching and underscores the massive untapped potential here. If successful, this could become the blueprint for future Web3 media projects, making it a must-watch for anyone in entertainment, tech, or investing."

CONTRIBUTOR: Riley Quinn

Digital Culture Critic. Examining viral trends, social media impact, and the new era of creator-led entertainment.