Don't worry, the 'Ori and the Blind Forest' developer probably isn't shutting down

Moon Studios reassures fans they aren’t shutting down despite recent review bombing concerns.

: Moon Studios, the developer of 'Ori and the Blind Forest', addressed recent concerns about their potential shutdown, caused by review bombing on their latest title, 'No Rest for the Wicked'. CEO Thomas Mahler took to Discord to encourage positive reviews after negative critiques suggested potential financial instability. Later, Mahler clarified on X that while the studio is not facing immediate financial peril, he wanted to draw attention to issues within the gaming industry. The game, which has garnered mostly positive reviews on Steam from 34,530 users, remains in early access and plans full releases on multiple platforms.

Moon Studios, known for 'Ori and the Blind Forest', faces challenges from supposed review bombing of their new game 'No Rest for the Wicked'. The director, Thomas Mahler, urged satisfied players on Discord to post positive reviews to counteract the trend of negative ones, explaining that their continued operation depends on positive feedback to maintain their financial stability. The game, despite being in early access, gathered a 'mostly positive' rating from 74% of 34,530 reviews on Steam, indicating a baseless panic among fans about potential shutdown.

Mahler later communicated through X, softening previous statements by reassuring that the studio isn't in critical financial jeopardy. His primary intent was to shed light on broader industry issues, indicating that game developers often face financial pressures not visible to the public. Mahler's commentary reflected the dangers of press sensationalism and the impact of a vocal minority influencing a studio’s reputation.

The negative feedback stems from a mix of genuine criticism and targeted review bombing, impacting user perception and future sales prospects. Mahler's call for community support isn’t just a plea for survival but an indication of Moon Studios' independent status, as they recently acquired publishing rights from Take-Two Interactive, making them reliant on public and community support.

The game is slated for a full release on platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Given their history and collaboration with Microsoft, and prior support for Nintendo's Switch, it's speculated that Moon Studios might also extend their focus to include the upcoming Switch 2. Thomas Mahler's active outreach and transparent communication aim to maintain trust with their player base, ensuring ongoing development and enthusiasm.

Amidst this, Moon Studios’ commitment to creativity remains undaunted, as they continue refining 'No Rest for the Wicked'. Their engagement highlights the dynamic between game developers and their audience, the impact of social media in shaping perceptions, and the paramount importance of maintaining transparent communication.

Sources: NeoGAF, VGC, Nintendo Life, VideoGamesChronicle

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