Fans of the luminous forest spirit have been buzzing with speculation about a potential third entry in the beloved Ori franchise — but it’s time to pump the brakes. Moon Studios co-founder and Ori series creator Thomas Mahler has directly addressed the swirling rumors, and his verdict is blunt: they’re “nonsense.”
Where Did the Ori 3 Rumors Come From?
The Ori community is nothing if not passionate. Ever since Ori and the Will of the Wisps closed out the story of the glowing guardian in spectacular fashion back in 2020, fans have been hungry for more. Recently, chatter about a possible Ori 3 began picking up steam across social media and gaming forums, fueled by vague claims and hopeful interpretation of any scrap of news related to developer Moon Studios.
With both Ori and the Blind Forest and its sequel earning near-universal acclaim as some of the finest metroidvania platformers ever made, it’s no surprise that rumors of a follow-up spread quickly. Unfortunately for hopeful fans, the person who would know best has now stepped in to shut the speculation down.
The Creator Sets the Record Straight
Responding directly to the rumors, series creator Thomas Mahler didn’t mince words, dismissing the talk of a new Ori installment as “nonsense.” It’s a clear and unambiguous statement from someone at the very heart of the franchise, and it should cool down the rumor mill — at least for now.
Why a Third Ori Game Would Be Complicated Anyway
Beyond the creator’s denial, there are structural reasons why a new Ori title isn’t as simple as fans might hope. The Ori intellectual property is owned by Microsoft and Xbox Game Studios, while Moon Studios has since gone independent and partnered with a different publisher for its current project. That means even if the studio wanted to return to Niwen or Nibel, it would require Microsoft’s involvement and green light — a significant hurdle for any surprise revival.
What Moon Studios Is Actually Working On
So if not Ori, what’s keeping the studio busy? Moon Studios has poured its energy into No Rest for the Wicked, an ambitious action RPG that launched into early access in 2024. The game marks a dramatic departure from the painterly platforming of Ori, trading precise jumps for punishing melee combat in a dark, hand-crafted fantasy world. The developers have made it clear that this project is their full focus for the foreseeable future.
Still Worth Revisiting the Ori Duology
While a third game may be off the table for now, there has never been a better time to experience — or revisit — the two masterpieces that started it all. Both Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition and Ori and the Will of the Wisps remain essential playing for fans of platformers, metroidvanias, and emotionally driven storytelling, and they’re available across Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Looking to jump in? You can grab Xbox gift cards, Steam wallet codes, and game keys at great prices at TURGAME.com, your go-to global store for digital game codes and gift cards.
Never Say Never — But Don’t Hold Your Breath
In the games industry, franchises have returned from far deader positions than this. Still, with the creator himself calling the rumors nonsense and Moon Studios fully committed to No Rest for the Wicked, Ori 3 remains firmly in the realm of wishful thinking. For now, fans will have to cherish the two unforgettable adventures that already exist.
Source: Eurogamer