Blockchain games are set to expand further into mainstream consoles with the upcoming launch of Moonray, an Ethereum-based multiplayer battle arena game. According to Moonray Studios CEO Rodrigo Etcheto, the gaming industry cannot achieve mass adoption of blockchain games without integrating into major platforms like Xbox and PlayStation. Etcheto emphasizes the importance of meeting gamers on familiar platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam to scale the reach of Web3 games effectively.
Moonray, which has been available on PC via Epic Games Store since last July, is expected to make its debut on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 later this year. Though specific release dates have yet to be confirmed, the porting process is currently in progress, with playtests anticipated in the latter half of 2025. Moonray would become the second Web3 game to penetrate the mainstream console market, following the early-access launch of the first-person shooter Off The Grid on Xbox and PlayStation in October.
Navigating the terrain of traditional gaming platforms has been challenging for crypto games. In October 2021, Valve, the company behind Steam, prohibited blockchain-based games from its platform, citing restrictions against content related to cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
In another development in the gaming sector, ArenaX Labs CEO Brandon Da Silva cautions against using AI as a mere gimmick in gaming. Da Silva points out that implementing AI poorly could lead to a disengaged player base, particularly if AI is used to exploit players rather than enhance gaming experiences. High-quality AI can help improve player-matching processes, reducing queue times and ensuring balanced and engaging opponents.
ArenaX Labs recently announced the introduction of AI agents, NRN Agents, to games across the Ronin Network. This initiative introduces a novel dimension for gameplay, where players train AI agents to compete against each other, adding depth to strategy and competition. ArenaX Labs’ flagship game, AI Arena, is set to allow the Ronin community to participate in training sophisticated AI, offering new ways for players to engage with games.
Additionally, the mini-shooter game Blast Royale provides a unique offering within the crypto gaming scene. Built on the Polygon blockchain, it allows players to compete in a 30-player battle where only one can emerge victorious. Players can earn NOOB tokens during gameplay, adding a crypto incentive to the mobile game’s engaging experience. However, minor gameplay quirks, such as shooting controls, have drawn some criticism.
In other news, a new documentary, Metaverse Filipino Worker, is now available on YouTube. This follow-up to the 2021 film Play-to-Earn: NFT Gaming in the Philippines highlights how Filipinos have adapted to shifts within the play-to-earn industry. Meanwhile, Paradise Tycoon has revealed its roadmap for 2025, featuring significant updates and an expansion to include AI companions by Q3.
