Moon Studios Delivers Disappointing News for Ori Enthusiasts

Exploring Moon Studios' Shift to No Rest for the Wicked and the Impact on Ori's Future
Moon Studios Delivers Disappointing News for Ori Enthusiasts

Highlights

  • Moon Studios shifts focus to new IP, No Rest for the Wicked, delaying Ori development.
  • No Rest for the Wicked's development timeline extends 5-10 years, pushing Ori 3 further into the future.
  • Fans face a prolonged wait for the next Ori installment, with Moon Studios prioritizing their new action RPG.

Enthusiasts of the beloved Ori games may need to exercise patience as Moon Studios, the developer behind the franchise, diverts attention towards their latest venture. The most recent addition to the series, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, debuted in 2020, followed by the launch of the new action-RPG, No Rest for the Wicked, in Early Access for PC. With a strong commitment to this fresh intellectual property, the studio anticipates a protracted support period.

Moon Studios rose to prominence with the release of Ori and the Blind Forest in 2015. While this 2D Metroidvania title captivated players with its stunning art style, engaging platformer gameplay, and captivating narrative, critiques were aimed at its combat mechanics. These concerns were addressed in the 2020 sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, which not only enhanced combat and visuals significantly but also refined platforming elements while maintaining the emotional storytelling. Transitioning from 2D Metroidvania to the action RPG genre, Moon Studios introduced No Rest for the Wicked four years later, hinting at significant plans for the new IP that could potentially delay the development of a third Ori chapter.

Released in Early Access on PC in April 2024, No Rest for the Wicked has received acclaim for its exceptional graphics, intriguing game world, and challenging combat system. Moon Studios' CEO and creative director, Thomas Mahler, recently addressed concerns about the studio's long-term strategy for No Rest for the Wicked in a detailed tweet: