Moonray is Coming to PS5 Without Web3 Features

The makers of the Ethereum-based combat arena game Moonray have announced plans to launch the free-to-play title on PlayStation 5 next year. However, in compliance with Sony’s policies, the game will debut on the console without the Web3 features that have defined its PC version.

Moonray, which originally attracted attention for its integration of blockchain elements like NFTs and in-game tokens. It will pivot to a more traditional gaming experience for the PlayStation 5 release. The decision underscores the growing complexity of introducing blockchain-based elements into mainstream gaming platforms. Especially as they strive to balance accessibility with the regulatory landscapes of different platforms.

Moonray’s Journey: From Web3 to Console

Moonray’s PS5 version will differ from its PC counterpart. Which launched on the Epic Games Store and featured a play-to-airdrop campaign where players could earn the soon-to-be-released MNRY token by completing challenges. NFT holders in the game also received bonuses. Providing additional incentive to engage with the game’s crypto elements.

In a statement to, a Moonray spokesperson explained the reasoning behind the decision to omit Web3 features on Sony’s console. “We make sure to comply with the rules and conditions put forth by each platform we are working with. These rules differ between them, especially when it comes to Web3 elements,” the spokesperson said. As of now, the PS5 version will launch without any integration of tokens, NFTs, or blockchain technology. Though future updates could introduce these features if the platform’s policies change.

Originally envisioned as a metaverse-based role-playing game built on Bitcoin’s Stacks layer-2 network. Moonray later evolved into a multiplayer competitive battler set in a futuristic “post-human” world. Players engage in combat within an arena, using weapons, swords, and powers to defeat opponents across multiple game modes. The game has gained a loyal fan base. Drawn in by both its unique gameplay and its Web3 components.

Crypto Gaming and Console Challenges

Despite Moonray’s success in the blockchain gaming space. Launching on Sony’s PlayStation console represents a new challenge. One that many Web3 developers are facing as they attempt to bring their crypto-driven games to mainstream platforms. To gaming studios like Moonray’s team, the path forward involves making compromises while keeping future adoption in mind.

“For Web3 to reach broad adoption, there really has to be a serious conversation about where you find your users,” the Moonray spokesperson added. “For gaming, consoles are incredibly important platforms to reach a broad gaming audience.” Indeed, tapping into PlayStation’s massive global audience offers the game a significant opportunity to gain traction. Even without the crypto elements that helped drive its initial success.

The decision mirrors similar issues faced by Off the Grid. A battle royale shooter built on the Avalanche blockchain. The game launched to much fanfare on PS5, Xbox, and PC, but its crypto integration—such as NFTs and the GUN token—remains incomplete, and developer Gunzilla Games has kept details of how the integration will work on consoles under wraps.

A Growing but Uncertain Future for Crypto Gaming

Moonray’s decision to strip out Web3 features from its PS5 launch points to a broader tension within the gaming industry. While blockchain gaming is generating substantial interest, particularly with viral hits like Hamster Kombat and Notcoin. Traditional gaming platforms remain hesitant to fully embrace the technology.

On PC, Moonray has been able to run play-to-earn campaigns and implement tokenized rewards systems. But console gaming remains a different landscape. Sony and Microsoft have yet to openly embrace Web3 features on their platforms. Leaving many developers navigating uncharted territory.

While Off the Grid continues to raise excitement with its gripping gameplay and viral success. The continued mystery around its blockchain integration has left many wondering how long it will take for crypto gaming to fully integrate into console platforms. Gunzilla Games has teased that NFT and token mechanics are in development. But has yet to provide a timeline for when these features will be introduced.

Looking Ahead: Moonray’s PS5 Release

Moonray’s PS5 launch is set for 2025, with the development team currently in the early stages of porting the game from PC. While no official launch date has been confirmed, the team plans to begin testing in the second half of 2025, though it remains unclear whether this will be a public or private process.

As the game moves closer to its console debut, the question remains whether future updates will allow the reintroduction of Web3 elements. For now, Moonray will focus on expanding its reach to new players through more traditional gaming platforms, while keeping its blockchain ambitions alive on PC and mobile.

Moonray’s upcoming release on PlayStation 5 marks a significant step in the game’s journey, but without the Web3 features that helped define its earlier versions. As blockchain gaming continues to evolve, the industry faces ongoing challenges in bridging the gap between crypto-driven gameplay and mainstream platforms like consoles. Whether future developments will bring Web3 elements back into the fold remains to be seen, but for now, Moonray is taking a major leap toward reaching a wider audience.