It’s been years since we last guided a small forest spirit through the enchanted world of Ori, but that silence may finally be breaking. A new leak from a well-known industry insider suggests that Microsoft is preparing to bring back the Ori series — and if the rumor mill is right, an official announcement could arrive much sooner than anyone expected.
What the Leak Actually Says
According to reporting from Polygon, a leaker with a reliable track record on Xbox-related news claims that a new entry in the Ori franchise is in the works. While the details remain thin, the timing of the leak has fueled speculation that the reveal could be tied to a major industry event, with many eyes turning toward Gamescom’s Opening Night Live showcase in August.
If true, this would be a significant moment for Xbox fans. The Ori series has been dormant since 2020, and both Microsoft and the original developers have repeatedly described the two existing games as a complete story. A new title would mean the beloved franchise is being revived for a brand-new adventure.
Why Ori Is One of Xbox’s Most Beloved Franchises
Ori and the Blind Forest Redefined Visual Storytelling
Released in 2015, Ori and the Blind Forest stunned players with its hand-painted artwork, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and emotionally devastating story. It quickly became one of the most acclaimed titles published by Microsoft in that generation and proved that smaller, artistically ambitious games could stand alongside blockbuster franchises.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps Raised the Bar Even Higher
The 2020 sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, expanded on everything fans loved — tighter combat, more complex traversal, and visuals that many still consider among the most beautiful ever rendered in a 2D platformer. Together, the two games form what many consider the crown jewel of Xbox’s indie-leaning catalog.
Who Could Be Developing the New Ori Game?
Here’s where things get interesting. Moon Studios, the team behind both Ori titles, is no longer partnered with Microsoft. The Austrian-American studio has since moved on to No Rest for the Wicked, an action-RPG published under a different banner.
However, Microsoft owns the Ori intellectual property outright. That means the company is free to hand the franchise to another studio — whether an internal team or a trusted partner — to carry the torch. A fresh development team could bring a new artistic direction to the series while preserving the emotional core that made Ori special.
Why This Makes Sense for Xbox Right Now
From a strategic standpoint, reviving Ori checks several boxes for Microsoft. The company has been investing heavily in its first-party lineup and day-one Game Pass releases, and a visually striking, critically adored platformer would be a perfect fit for the subscription service. Ori also fills a gap in Xbox’s portfolio: an accessible, family-friendly adventure with mainstream and critical appeal.
Of course, it’s important to remember that this is still a rumor. Leaks — even from reliable sources — don’t always pan out, and plans in the games industry change constantly. Until Microsoft makes an official announcement, fans should temper their expectations.
Relive Ori’s Journey While You Wait
If the leak has you feeling nostalgic, there’s never been a better time to replay the originals — or experience them for the first time. Both Ori games are available on Xbox and PC, and you can grab discounted Xbox gift cards and game codes at TURGAME.com to jump back into the forest without breaking the bank.
Whether the announcement lands at Gamescom or later, one thing is clear: the spirit of Ori may be ready to shine again.
Source: Polygon