In Brief
- Transition to Steam: Moonfrost will become a traditional PC game on Steam, eliminating all blockchain elements.
- Introduction of Frost Arcade: A new platform dedicated to web3 gaming, called Frost Arcade, will offer an optimized experience for blockchain enthusiasts.
- Team Restructuration: The internal team will split focus; one group will develop the traditional PC version, while another will concentrate on Frost Arcade.
Moonfrost’s Strategic Pivot
On November 5, the team behind the cozy farming RPG Moonfrost announced a notable strategic change to the game’s development path. Initially integrated with web3 technologies, Moonfrost is set to transition to a traditional gaming platform on Steam, discontinuing the use of NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and all blockchain-related elements. This change was unveiled shortly after the game’s Halloween-themed Dahlia Derby event concluded.
Frost Arcade: A New Beginning for Web3 Fans
For those dedicated to the web3 ecosystem, the development team has crafted Frost Arcade. This new platform will operate via an internet browser and is designed exclusively for the web3 community. Frost Arcade will focus on arcade-style games with shorter sessions, featuring multiplayer capabilities, PvP, cooperative modes, leaderboards, and community events, all designed for fast-paced interaction and convenience.
Continued Utility for Web3 Assets
Investors in the original web3 version of Moonfrost will find their digital assets, such as NFTs and in-game currencies, honored in Frost Arcade. These assets will retain their utility and value, thereby remaining relevant and usable on the new platform.
Leadership and Organizational Changes
To effectively manage these new directives, the leadership within the Moonfrost development team is being adjusted. Ric Moore, who previously co-led as CEO, will now spearhead the Frost Arcade project, focusing on advancing web3 game development. Concurrently, Gina Nelson, formerly a co-CEO and the Art Director, will lead the development of the traditional Moonfrost game on Steam.
Future of Gameplay
In anticipation of these changes, Ric Moore had criticized the conventional play-to-earn model back in October. He highlighted its unsustainable nature due to inflationary pressures and poor token performance. Instead, he suggested a “Risk-to-Earn” model, similar to the stakes in poker, where players pay to enter games with the chance of earning payouts based on performance and luck. This model aims to create a more sustainable and thrilling economic environment, potentially influencing how Frost Arcade will be economically structured.
Community Backlash
The shift in development focus has sparked backlash among the Moonfrost community, particularly from participants in the game’s recent web3-based events. Some community members have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, criticizing the game’s pivot and accusing the developers of reneging on their original commitments. This controversy underscores the challenges and potential risks associated with dramatically altering a game’s foundational mechanics.