Moon Studios Faces Uncertain Future Amid 'No Rest for the Wicked' Review Challenges

Moon Studios, the acclaimed development team recognized for hits like Ori and the Blind Forest and its sequel Ori and the Will of the Wisps, is grappling with significant challenges following the launch of its action RPG, No Rest For the Wicked.

The studio, founded in 2010 and renowned for its artistry and innovation within the platformer genre, has built a notable legacy on platforms like the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC.

However, a recent statement from studio head Thomas Mahler suggests the company’s future may be at risk due to a wave of negative feedback impacting their latest release. No Rest For the Wicked, now available on Steam, follows Moon Studios’ tradition of delivering visually rich and emotionally resonant titles.

Despite the anticipation surrounding its launch, the game’s reception has been mixed.

On Steam, user reviews reflect a divided community, with criticisms largely centered on gameplay elements and technical performance rather than the broader concept of "review bombing"—a phenomenon where user scores are deliberately skewed for reasons unrelated to the game’s intrinsic quality. In an official studio post, Thomas Mahler commented that the costs associated with what he described as “review bombing” have placed significant financial strain on Moon Studios.

Mahler conveyed that, should this trend continue, No Rest For the Wicked could potentially be the last game produced by the renowned developer.

He emphasized the tangible impact that online reception has on a studio’s bottom line, stating that persistent negative reviews, regardless of their origin, materially affect sales and ongoing development resources. Moon Studios’ earlier successes are well documented.

Ori and the Blind Forest, originally launched in 2015, was widely praised for its artistic direction and emotional storytelling, earning numerous accolades and strong sales across both Xbox and Nintendo Switch platforms.

Its sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, continued this tradition upon release in 2020, cementing the studio’s reputation for excellence within both the indie and broader gaming communities. The current situation with No Rest For the Wicked underlines the heightened challenges that game developers face in a digital marketplace heavily influenced by public opinion and online user reviews.

While feedback is an essential component of game development and post-launch support, Moon Studios’ experience highlights how fluctuating sentiment can have immediate and profound economic consequences.

As Moon Studios navigates this turbulent period, the gaming industry at large will be watching closely.

The hope among fans and peers alike is that the studio’s strong creative vision and past achievements will enable it to weather the storm, continuing to deliver high-quality experiences across platforms like the Nintendo Switch and beyond.

For now, the future of Moon Studios—along with the fate of No Rest For the Wicked—remains uncertain.

Moon Studios Thomas Mahler No Rest for the Wicked Thomas