Ahead of Opening Night Live at Gamescom, rumors have began swirling regarding a potentially surprising sequel announcement for a Microsoft series, with indications that this could be for a new entry in the Ori series. According to its creator, however, that might not be the case.
A new entry in the Ori series, which this far includes Ori and the Blind Forest and its sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, was originally hinted at by leaker NateTheHate, after some suggestions that Microsoft was preparing to announce a sequel to a dormant franchise. NateTheHate, who correctly reported on both the Star Fox and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remakes, initially suggested than an announcement would take place at Gamescom, but has since stated that this will no longer be the case.
The existence of a third Ori game would be news to Thomas Mahler, CEO of Moon Studios and director on both previous Ori titles. Responding to questions on X, Mahler said that he was aware of the rumors of a third Ori title and reiterated that he hadn’t heard anything about it.
“I think after having put billions into 343 to handle Halo and not being able to recapture the old magic, I’d guess that by now MS has learned their lesson that the right talent needs to work on those IP’s, otherwise you’ll undoubtedly get more slop,” Mahler added.
Mahler went on to explain that Moon Studios has been discussing the possibility of purchasing the Ori IP back, suggesting that no other studio could do much with it. A few hours after, Mahler went a step further and called the Ori 3 rumors “nonsense,” while sharing that he recently had dinner with Ori composer Gareth Cocker and that both share a desire to bring the series back.
Mahler hasn’t been directly involved with Microsoft, however, since the launch of Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Reporting in 2022 suggested that Microsoft passed on the opportunity to publish Moon Studios’ latest title, No Rest for the Wicked, after relationships between its Xbox publishing teams and the studio’s leadership broke down. Moon Studio’ employees accused the founders of creating a hostile and toxic work environment, which contributed to the falling out. Mahler recently commented on Microsoft’s mishandling of its studios, saying the company is too invested in its legacy instead of its future.
