Indie developer Oxalis Games is making a significant shift for its upcoming cozy RPG, Moonfrost, completely abandoning web3 elements and NFTs. As reported by GamesIndustry.biz on January 19, 2026, the studio now aims for a premium, handcrafted release on Steam and the Epic Games Store, a direct response to community feedback.
This move by Oxalis Games is particularly noteworthy amidst a broader industry reevaluation of blockchain technology in gaming. Many developers initially embraced NFTs and web3 with promises of player ownership and new economic models, yet faced significant backlash from traditional gaming communities concerned about monetization, speculative practices, and environmental impact, as highlighted by tech news outlets.
For Moonfrost, the decision marks a return to core values, prioritizing rich gameplay and immersive worlds over speculative assets. It underscores a growing sentiment that the ‘cosy game’ genre, built on relaxation and engagement, fundamentally conflicts with the earning and trading mechanisms often central to web3 ecosystems.
The strategic reorientation and leadership change
Gina Nelson, now the sole CEO of Oxalis Games, articulated the studio’s renewed vision for Moonfrost. ‘We tried a path that didn’t fit Moonfrost,’ Nelson stated, acknowledging the community’s clear message. She emphasized that players of cozy games seek ‘rich worlds, meaningful progression, and a safe, welcoming place to escape into,’ not NFTs.
Nelson highlighted the incompatibility between web3’s speculative nature and Moonfrost’s design ethos. She explained that communities centered around earning and speculation do not align with creating a game meant to feel like a ‘home’ for players, solidifying the choice to position Moonfrost as a premium PC title.
This strategic pivot coincides with a change in the studio’s leadership. Ric Moore, co-founder, stepped down from his shared CEO role, citing Nelson’s desire to lead independently. While Moore departed as a director in late 2025, he remains an advisory board member and a significant stakeholder, according to Companies House records.
Beyond blockchain: a commitment to craft and funding
Beyond the rejection of web3, Oxalis Games also affirmed its dedication to traditional game development, emphasizing a ‘doubling down on craft’ despite exploring AI tools. Nelson articulated a belief in the ‘human touch,’ stating that Moonfrost is ‘made by people – pixel by pixel, system by system – with a beautiful original soundtrack that pulls you into the world.’
This stance reflects a broader industry debate regarding AI’s role in creative processes. Oxalis’s commitment to intentional, hands-on work and avoiding team replacement positions them as proponents of human artistry in a landscape increasingly considering automated content generation, aiming for distinct quality, as explored by publications like Wired.
The studio’s journey has been supported by substantial financial backing. Founded in August 2020, Oxalis secured $4.5 million in seed funding in 2022, led by Blocore, with notable investors including Supercell and Animoca Brands. A further $2 million was raised in late 2025, led by L1D and Arete Capital, demonstrating investor confidence in their evolving vision, as observed in financial technology reports.
Oxalis Games’ decision to drop web3 and NFTs for Moonfrost is a powerful statement, signaling a potential trend reversal in indie game development. It prioritizes artistic integrity and player experience over speculative financial models, suggesting that for many genres, particularly cozy RPGs, the path to success lies in delivering a meticulously crafted, premium product that resonates with core gaming values.
