Indie game developer Oxalis abandons web3 and NFTs in favor of creating the cozy RPG Moonfrost

Indie game developer Oxalis Games has decided to shift direction for their upcoming cozy role-playing game, Moonfrost, by moving away from using web3 and NFTs. The studio is now focusing on delivering a "handcrafted, premium" experience, with plans to launch on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Along with this change, there has been a shift in the company's leadership. Gina Nelson has stepped up as the sole CEO after previously co-leading with fellow co-founder Ric Moore until July 2024. Nelson had been the Chief Operating Officer for over five years prior to this change.

Ric Moore announced his departure from his role at the company via LinkedIn, explaining that he stepped down after Nelson expressed her desire to lead the company independently. According to Companies House records, Moore was removed as a director on December 31, 2025, but he remains connected to Oxalis as an advisory board member and is identified as a significant stakeholder, alongside Nelson.

CEO Gina Nelson commented on the decision to move away from NFTs, stating, “We chose a path that didn’t suit Moonfrost and listened closely to our community. Those who are passionate about cozy games seek enriching worlds and impactful progression, not NFTs. Therefore, we’re fully committed to building Moonfrost in line with these beliefs.”

Nelson further explained that while web3 communities are often focused on earning and speculation, this was not the foundation on which Moonfrost was built. The game aims to create a welcoming environment for players, beyond farming or adventures, and is intended for the premium PC gaming market.

The studio has also explored AI tools but is committed to emphasizing craftsmanship. Nelson stated, "Moonfrost is crafted by individuals down to the pixel and system, with an original soundtrack that immerses players in its world. It's deliberate, hands-on work, and we're proud of it. Our human touch distinguishes us in a landscape of automated content."

Oxalis Games was established in August 2020 and initially raised $4.5 million in seed funding with support from investors such as Blocore, Supercell, Animoca Brands, Griffin Gaming Partners, Sir Ian Livingstone, and Phil Mansell, then CEO of Jagex. More recently, they secured an additional $2 million in late 2025, led by L1D and Arete Capital.