Moonbirds Sold to Orange Cap Games in Major NFT Shift

The ever-evolving world of blockchain games just got a major shake-up. On May 30, Yuga Labs, the powerhouse behind the iconic Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), officially sold the Moonbirds IP to rising web3 gaming studio Orange Cap Games. The deal also includes the Mythics and Oddities collections, signaling not just a business transaction—but a strategic pivot in the NFT gaming space.

So, what does this mean for the future of Moonbirds, Yuga Labs, and blockchain gaming as a whole? Let’s dive in.

Yuga Labs Repositions Itself for a Focused Future

For those who’ve been watching closely, this move might not come as a total surprise. Yuga Labs has been consolidating its efforts around its core brands—namely the Bored Ape Yacht Club and its ambitious virtual world project, Otherside.

Earlier this year, Yuga also parted ways with the CryptoPunks and Meebits IPs. The CryptoPunks IP was transferred to the Infinite Node Foundation, while MeebCo took over the Meebits brand. Clearly, Yuga is trimming the fat and putting all its weight behind what it sees as the next frontier in digital identity and metaverse exploration.

“Moonbirds deserve a team whose whole world is the birds,” said Yuga Labs CEO Greg “Garga” Solano on X, referring to Orange Cap Games as “among the smartest, most detail-oriented builders in consumer crypto.”

That’s a pretty big endorsement—and one that sets the stage for the next evolution of the Moonbirds ecosystem.

Who Is Orange Cap Games?

If you haven’t heard of them yet, now’s the time to get familiar. Orange Cap Games is a web3 gaming startup with a growing reputation for bridging NFTs with interactive experiences. Their debut title, Vibes TCG, is a trading card game that features characters from the Pudgy Penguins collection. It’s built on the Ethereum layer-2 network Abstract and has been gaining traction in both digital and physical card communities.

Now with Moonbirds under their wing, Orange Cap is poised to integrate the brand into its expanding gaming universe. And they’re not stopping at just one platform. According to the team, future Moonbirds content could live on either layer-1 blockchains or ApeChain, Yuga’s own Ethereum layer-2.

The Potential of Moonbirds in Web3 Gaming

The Moonbirds IP has had a wild ride. Originally launched in April 2022 by Proof, the collection saw a jaw-dropping $280 million in primary and secondary sales in just its opening weekend. But as the NFT market cooled off in late 2022 and 2023, the brand struggled to maintain momentum.

That could all change now.

With Orange Cap’s expertise in digital game mechanics, community-building, and cross-platform NFT integration, Moonbirds might be on the verge of becoming much more than a profile picture (PFP) project. Think digital trading cards, playable game avatars, or even story-driven blockchain experiences.

And here’s the kicker—Orange Cap also plans to include Moonbirds characters in Yuga’s Otherside metaverse, creating a rare synergy between two previously disconnected worlds.

Why This Matters for Blockchain Gaming

This sale isn’t just a business deal—it reflects a larger trend in the world of blockchain games. As the market matures, we’re seeing less quantity, more quality. Instead of companies spreading themselves thin across dozens of projects, they’re now laser-focused on building immersive, long-lasting ecosystems.

Yuga is doubling down on BAYC and Otherside, while Orange Cap is betting big on Moonbirds. The result? A more strategic and sustainable approach to blockchain gaming.

And it’s working. After the sale was announced, the Moonbirds floor price jumped from 0.295 ETH to 0.9 ETH. That’s more than a 200% increase—proof that the market sees real potential in this new direction.

A New Chapter for Moonbirds Holders

For Moonbirds holders, this transition brings both hope and uncertainty. Will Orange Cap Games deliver? Can they reignite the community’s enthusiasm?

If early signals are any indication, things are looking up. The company’s track record with Vibes TCG, their public communication on X, and their transparent roadmap suggest a team that understands both web3 culture and gaming mechanics.

And let’s not forget—this is a chance to evolve Moonbirds beyond static NFTs. Imagine logging into a game, summoning your custom Moonbird as a playable character, and earning rewards through actual gameplay. That’s the kind of utility that modern NFT holders are hungry for.

What’s Next for Blockchain Gaming?

This deal may be a turning point—not just for Moonbirds, but for the entire NFT space.

As blockchain games grow in complexity and creativity, IPs like Moonbirds could become cornerstones of digital identity and interaction. The blending of art, utility, and interactivity is no longer a dream—it’s happening now.

Whether it’s through gamified economies, metaverse integrations, or collectible gaming ecosystems, the future of NFTs is no longer just about ownership. It’s about experience.

And Orange Cap Games, with Moonbirds in tow, just might be leading the flock.

Want to learn more about where NFTs and gaming collide? Explore the latest in blockchain games at NFT Playgrounds.