Moon Studios Addresses Review Bombing of 'No Rest for the Wicked' Amid Steam Early Access Launch

Moon Studios, the acclaimed independent developer best known for Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, is currently managing the aftermath of review bombing for its newest title, No Rest for the Wicked.

The game, launched in early access on Steam, has faced a surge of negative reviews, prompting a transparent response from studio director and CEO, Thomas Mahler. No Rest for the Wicked marks a significant step for Moon Studios.

Now fully independent after securing publishing rights from Take-Two Interactive, the studio depends more than ever on positive player engagement and user feedback.

The game's launch in early access has given fans an early look, but also opened the doors to a wave of online scrutiny that many developers face in today’s market. In a recent Discord message addressed to the community, Mahler encouraged those enjoying No Rest for the Wicked to leave a positive review on Steam.

He highlighted the studio’s increased reliance on user feedback, stating in journalistic terms that the perception of financial security from big publishers does not align with their current independent status.

Mahler explained that a significant drop in user review scores can deter new players from purchasing the game, directly impacting the studio's bottom line.

"Our future updates and the game’s continued development depend on the support of our community," he communicated, expressing that the business is closely tied to the game’s reception. However, after Mahler’s initial remarks circulated across social channels and gaming news outlets, he provided further clarification via X (formerly Twitter).

Mahler reassured fans by stating that Moon Studios is "not in immediate financial danger" but wants to highlight broader issues within the gaming industry regarding review practices and their effect on independent studios.

His statement aimed to alleviate concerns, clarifying that the studio is not facing imminent closure but is taking steps to ensure its long-term stability by advocating for fair reviews. Despite the recent review bombing, No Rest for the Wicked maintains a 'Mostly Positive' standing on Steam, with approximately 74% of the 34,530 user reviews casting a favorable opinion at the time of reporting.

This shows that a majority of players appreciate Moon Studios’ latest effort even in the face of adversity.

The game’s full release is currently planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. With a legacy that includes delivering the Ori series to the Nintendo Switch, Moon Studios has established itself as a respected developer across all major platforms.

As the industry anticipates the next hardware generation, many are watching to see if No Rest for the Wicked will eventually appear on Nintendo’s upcoming consoles.

For now, Moon Studios continues to engage with its community, emphasizing the vital role player feedback plays in shaping not just this title, but the future of indie studios in the modern gaming landscape.

Steam Moon Studios No Rest for the Wicked