Moon Studios CEO dismisses Ori 3 rumors as 'nonsense'

Thomas Mahler, CEO of Moon Studios, has explicitly denied rumors that a third installment in the Ori franchise is currently in development. The statement puts an end to growing speculation that a new title was imminent.

Addressing the claims in a post on X, Mahler dismissed the reports as "nonsense," stating, "I can confirm that the Ori 3 rumors are nonsense." The speculation, which gained traction on social media and was linked to claims of a potential announcement at Gamescom, reportedly originated from a post on the Resetera forum. Mahler clarified that the studio is not working on a sequel to the acclaimed Metroidvania series.

A Shift in Genre

The Ori series established Moon Studios as a powerhouse in the platforming genre with the release of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Both titles were praised for their visual artistry and tight mechanics, leaving a void for fans hoping for a third chapter. However, since the conclusion of the second game, the studio has pivoted away from the Metroidvania formula to explore a more complex project.

Moon Studios is now entirely focused on No Rest for the Wicked, an ambitious action-RPG. The title entered Early Access in 2024, marking a significant departure from the side-scrolling roots of the Ori games. According to the game's Steam page, the project is currently scheduled for a 1.0 release in October 2026.

Industry Implications

This official denial confirms that Moon Studios is prioritizing its venture into the action-RPG market over returning to the platforming roots that built its reputation. For the industry, it signals a deliberate move by the studio to diversify its portfolio and establish a new identity beyond the Ori IP. For the fanbase, it clarifies that any future return to the world of Ori is not on the immediate horizon, as the studio's resources are fully committed to the development of its new genre experiment.

What to Watch

While Mahler has shut down current rumors of an internal project, the future of the Ori IP remains a point of interest. The denial specifically addresses Moon Studios' current development slate, leaving open the possibility of future collaborations or external developments, though no such plans have been confirmed. For now, the focus remains on the long road to the 2026 full launch of No Rest for the Wicked.