Oxalis Games, a UK-based game development studio, has announced it raised $2 million in new funding to support the continued development of its upcoming pixel art life-simulation RPG, Moonfrost. The latest round was co-led by L1D and Arete Capital.

Additional contributions came from Merit Circle, Selini Capital, EthLizards, and W3GG DAO. This investment follows earlier funding of $4.5 million secured in June 2022 from industry-leading investors such as Animoca Brands, Supercell, Pantera Capital, and Griffin Gaming Partners.

Oxalis Games Secures $2M Funding for Moonfrost

What is Moonfrost?

Moonfrost is described as a life-simulation farming RPG currently in development by Oxalis Games. The NFT game combines the charm of classic titles like Stardew Valley with modern web3 gameplay elements. Players can customize their farm, build relationships with a diverse cast of characters, and uncover the "secrets of the mysterious Frost.'  

In the charming character-based farming experience players can farm, gather resources, craft items, decorate their homes, and attract a variety of non-player characters (NPCs) to their town. While primarily a single-player game, it includes social features and requires an active internet connection - currently available on PC and mobile. Notably, crops and other timed elements will continue to progress even when players are offline, and the game promises a cruelty-free experience with no animal killing.

Moonfrost Coer Banner on X (Twitter)

Alpha, Showcase, and Soundtrack Release

Since securing the earlier round of funding, Oxalis Games has been actively developing Moonfrost. The studio recently completed its third closed alpha test in July 2024, demonstrating significant progress. Building on this momentum, the next phase of testing is scheduled for later in October, where up to 11,000 participants will gain access to the game’s competitive Farm Royale mode. In this mode, players will engage in farming challenges, competing against one another to cultivate resources efficiently.

In addition to the ongoing development and testing efforts, Moonfrost will be featured at the MCM Comic Con in London from October 25 to 27, 2024. The game will be showcased alongside Farming Simulator at a shared booth, giving attendees an opportunity to experience it firsthand. Meanwhile, the Moonfrost soundtrack has been released on Spotify, offering fans a preview of the game’s music and helping to build excitement ahead of its official launch.

Moonfrost's Key Art

The Melodic World of Moonfrost

According to Co-CEO Gina Nelson, the decision to prioritize music early in Moonfrost's development has proven transformative. Unlike traditional games where soundtracks are often an afterthought, Moonfrost's music, composed by Daniel Hoang, was integral from the outset. This proactive approach allowed the team to create a cohesive experience where audio and visuals complement each other seamlessly. 

Nelson recently shared their thoughts in a LinkedIn post, commenting: "Every game I've worked on during my career had a soundtrack slapped onto it at the end, but because music is very important to me I believed we could do things differently." 

The soundtrack of Moonfrost serves not only to enhance gameplay but also to define the emotional tone of the entire experience. Hoang's compositions were created hand-in-hand with the game's visual concept art, ensuring a unified aesthetic and atmosphere. This collaboration extended to the game's sound design, overseen by María Fernanda Castro, which aimed to reflect the same "heart and soul" established through the game's audio development.

Final Thoughts

Players interested in Moonfrost can wishlist the game via the Epic Games Store and stay updated through the official website or on social media. With a combination of charming pixel art, engaging farming mechanics, and community-driven gameplay, the game aims to capture the attention of both casual and dedicated players in the life-simulation genre.

This latest funding marks a significant milestone for Oxalis Games, bringing it closer to delivering a polished gaming experience. As the studio prepares for another round of alpha testing and public showcases, it continues to attract attention within the gaming community and beyond.