Moon Studios’ Future at Risk Due to Review Bombing of No Rest for the Wicked

In a recent and alarming update from Moon Studios, the studio best known for the beloved Ori games, CEO Thomas Mahler revealed that the studio could face closure due to the "review bombing" of their latest title, No Rest for the Wicked. Released in early access in April 2024, the action RPG has garnered a ‘Mostly Positive’ rating on Steam, with about 74% of nearly 35,000 user reviews deemed favorable. However, Mahler’s comments suggest that even a good rating may not be enough to save the studio if the negative reviews continue to influence potential buyers.

The Impact of Review Bombing

Speaking directly to fans on Discord, Mahler expressed his concerns about the game’s reception. Despite assurances of quality and a dedicated team behind No Rest for the Wicked, he emphasized the game’s commercial challenges. “It’s entirely possible that we won’t be around in a couple of months to do anything anymore simply because we got review bombed,” he stated, underscoring the fragile nature of game development in an industry dominated by consumer feedback.

Mahler elaborated that the studio’s financial stability is profoundly linked to the game’s reviews. He urged players who are enjoying the game and looking forward to future updates to leave positive reviews. "Folks, if you’re writing here and are enjoying Wicked… it’s detrimental that we get that review score back up,” he pleaded.

Community Response

The reaction among the gaming community has been mixed. While many players have responded positively to Mahler’s plea — resulting in a surge of favorable reviews — others have criticized the request, suggesting that the new positive reviews are merely a response to the developer’s call rather than genuine feedback. Such sentiments reflect a wider issue in the gaming industry, where emotional responses to game design and player expectations can lead to polarizing reviews.

The criticism of No Rest for the Wicked appears largely focused on its difficulty level, combat mechanics, and a failure to deliver expected features, such as multiplayer options. Additionally, players have pointed out frustrations with crafting mechanics and time-based town upgrades which inhibit gameplay pace.

The Path to Independence

In an attempt to navigate these obstacles, Moon Studios announced in March 2024 that after acquiring the publishing rights for No Rest for the Wicked from Take-Two, they are now “fully independent.” This move allows the studio to execute their vision without outside interference, an essential step for fostering creativity in game development. Prior to this, the game had been published by Private Division, a subsidiary of Take-Two that specializes in smaller developers.

When Take-Two sold Private Division in November 2024, No Rest for the Wicked was excluded from the deal, with Take-Two retaining the rights to continue supporting the title. “We have secured the publishing rights for No Rest for the Wicked, allowing us to execute our vision without restrictions,” Moon Studios stated in their announcement.

Conclusion

As of now, No Rest for the Wicked remains a beacon of hope for Moon Studios, but the threat of closure looms large. CEO Mahler’s candid discourse highlights the delicate balance that independent studios must maintain between artistic creativity and commercial viability. For players who want to see the team succeed and continue developing games, leaving a positive review is not just an encouragement; it is vital for the survival of the studio.

In the ever-changing landscape of gaming, the story of Moon Studios serves as a reminder of the power consumers wield and the impact of their feedback. If you’re a fan of their work on Ori and the Blind Forest or Ori and the Will of the Wisps, consider supporting them in their new venture by checking out No Rest for the Wicked. The future of this independent studio—and the many stories they have yet to tell—depends on it.

For more insights into the latest developments from Moon Studios, keep your eye on our updates about new releases and industry trends.