The creator of ‘Ori and the Blind Forest,’ published by Xbox, is already contemplating ideas for a third installment in the series

Insights on Moon Studios’ Future Endeavors

The creative minds at Moon Studios, renowned for their work on the beloved ‘Ori’ series, have shared their latest venture, a game titled No Rest For The Wicked. The team is currently directing their full attention to this new project, leaving fans of the ‘Ori’ series curious about the future of their favorite mystical universe.

In a recent chat with Game Informer, Thomas Mahler, CEO and creative director of Moon Studios, disclosed that while he has conceived a title and nurtured some ideas for a potential third ‘Ori’ game, the studio’s immediate focus remains steadfast on their upcoming dark fantasy, isometric action RPG. This new title is set to appear in early access on Steam on April 18, 2024, with subsequent full versions to be released for both Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 platforms.

Understanding the Shift from Ori to New Realms

The decision to embark on a fresh intellectual property rather than continue with a third ‘Ori’ installment came after concluding Ori’s journey with ‘Ori and the Will of the Wisps’. The storyline was seen as complete, a sentiment echoed by Gennadiy Korol, the studio’s co-founder. He expressed that revisiting the ‘Ori’ series would only occur if there were additional tales to be told.

Despite the change in direction, the possibility of a new ‘Ori’ game continues to spark interest. Such a game could leverage the technical prowess of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, potentially elevating the series’ acclaimed visual artistry, narrative depth, and immersive gameplay to new heights.

Microsoft, holding publishing rights to the ‘Ori’ series, views these games as some of the finest in modern gaming. Should a new ‘Ori’ title be announced, it could very likely receive Microsoft’s backing, unless they choose a different approach similar to how ‘Alan Wake 2’ transitioned to Epic for funding and publishing.

Embracing the Present: Anticipating No Rest For The Wicked

While the gaming community may ponder over the prospects of a new ‘Ori’ adventure, the immediate spotlight shines on Moon Studios’ ‘No Rest For The Wicked’. The anticipation for this game is palpable, with previews suggesting it could be the next indie classic. With an early access date announced for Steam, and plans for console releases in the pipeline, this title is one to watch out for in the coming year.

Winsage
The creator of 'Ori and the Blind Forest,' published by Xbox, is already contemplating ideas for a third installment in the series