CEO Confirms Moon Studios, Creator of Ori, Is Not Facing Immediate Issues

Moon Studios Clarifies Misunderstandings Amidst Review Challenges

Renowned for its work on the Ori series, Vienna-based Moon Studios has recently found itself at the center of controversy. However, Thomas Mahler, the studio’s founder and CEO, has come forward to dispel rumors of financial distress.

The Status of “No Rest for the Wicked”

During a candid discussion on the studio’s Discord channel, Mahler reached out directly to fans, expressing the studio’s reliance on community support to sustain its operations and to enhance their latest title, No Rest for the Wicked. This top-down action RPG initially launched on Steam Early Access about a year ago and recently received a significant update. Yet, despite these efforts, the game’s player engagement and reviews have fallen short, garnering only a 72% rating in recent feedback and an overall 74%.

Mahler suggests that this lukewarm reception has stemmed from ‘review bombing, ’ a situation where negative reviews disproportionately affect the game’s standing. In a plea to dedicated fans, he urged them to balance the narrative with positive reviews:

“I think people think I’m joking when I’m asking for positive reviews cause in people’s mind there’s always some big publisher in the background who’ll cover costs…”

Financial Backing and Industry Pressures

Mahler further elaborated on their precarious position, mentioning the studio’s recent shift away from publisher support. Previously backed by Private Division, Moon Studios regained control of the game’s rights months ago, coinciding with Private Division’s acquisition by a new company comprising former Annapurna Interactive team members.

Clarifying Misinterpretations

After several hours of discussions, Mahler took to X to clarify his earlier comments, asserting that the media had misinterpreted his words. He stated:

“Overall, pretty much everyone who’s tried Wicked after the last few hotfixes is extremely positive. The reason I left the post on Discord up was simply to push back against some of the bullshit reviews.”

He continued to explain the troubling nature of certain negative reviews that fail to provide constructive feedback, emphasizing the necessity for developers to encourage their players to share authentic experiences.

A Commitment to Quality

Despite the misunderstandings, Mahler reassured fans that Moon Studios is not in any immediate financial jeopardy. He emphasized the team’s ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, stating,

“We are continuing as always—our goal is for every game Moon Studios creates to be an absolute masterpiece, and with Wicked we’re already on the way.”

The Road Ahead for Moon Studios

The gaming community holds its breath, hoping that Moon Studios can overcome these hurdles. The earlier Ori titles have set a high standard, and many believe that No Rest for the Wicked holds ‘extreme’ potential, as highlighted by Francesco De Meo in an early access preview. The loss of such a talented team would be a significant blow to the gaming landscape.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that community support plays a pivotal role in the success of independent developers like Moon Studios. By actively participating in discussions and providing constructive feedback, fans can directly impact the longevity of their favorite games.

Source & Images

Related Articles:

Borderlands 4: Key Details and Updates on the Next Installation of the Iconic Looter Shooter

Nintendo Acknowledges Frame Rate Issues in Donkey Kong Bananza

Weekend PC Game Deals: Final Fantasy at Low Prices, Bundled Borderlands Offers, and Free Strategy Games

Electronic Arts May Have Paused the Need for Speed Franchise

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. Launching on PS5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2 with Crossplay Features

Death Stranding 2 Gameplay Length Potentially Doubles Original with Increased Combat as Fans Request MGS Elements

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *