Ori 3 Rumors Shut Down by Moon Studios CEO as Studio Talks About Bringing Series Back From Microsoft

Rumors about a possible Ori 3 have made fans excited, but Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler says he has not heard anything about the project. He also revealed that Moon Studios has discussed buying the Ori IP back from Microsoft so the series could return “home.”

At the moment, there is no official announcement for Ori 3. Microsoft has not confirmed a new game, named a developer, shared a release date, or revealed which platforms it could come to. Fans should treat every current claim as a rumor until Xbox makes a public announcement.

Ori 3 Rumors Explained

The latest rumors started after gaming insider NateTheHate suggested that a new Ori game could be in development. Some reports claimed that the project might be handled by a studio outside Moon Studios and could possibly appear at a future Xbox event.

However, those details have not been confirmed by Xbox, Microsoft, Moon Studios, or any other developer. Even the rumored event timing remains unclear.

This is important because rumors can change quickly. A game may be planned, pitched, canceled, or moved to a different studio long before players see an official trailer.

Moon Studios CEO Says He Knows Nothing

Thomas Mahler, the CEO and co-founder of Moon Studios, responded after fans began asking him about Ori 3. He said that, as with earlier rumors, he had not heard anything about a new entry.

Mahler’s comments do not fully prove that Microsoft has no Ori project in development. Microsoft owns the franchise and could work with another developer without Moon Studios being involved. Still, Mahler is the creator of the series, so his lack of knowledge makes the rumors far less certain.

In another response, Mahler reportedly called the Ori 3 claims “nonsense.” That is the clearest public response from someone closely connected to the franchise so far.

Moon Studios Wants Ori Back

The biggest part of Mahler’s response was not only about the rumor. He also said Moon Studios has talked internally about buying the Ori IP from Microsoft.

“Internally, we’ve been discussing our interest in purchasing the IP back. I doubt any other studio could really do much with it, so it makes sense for this one to come home to Moon!”

In simple terms, an IP is the legal ownership of a game series, including its name, characters, world, and brand. Microsoft currently publishes Ori, while Moon Studios developed the two main games.

If Moon Studios ever bought the IP, it could have more control over whether a new Ori game gets made and how the series moves forward. But fans should not assume a deal is happening. Mahler only said the studio has discussed its interest; he did not say Microsoft has agreed to sell the franchise.

Why Mahler Is Worried About Another Developer

Mahler said he doubts another studio could do much with the Ori series. His point seems to be that a successful sequel needs more than the Ori name.

The first two games are remembered for a specific mix of features:

• Fast and challenging platforming
• Emotional story moments
• Hand-painted-looking worlds
• Music-focused atmosphere
• Exploration similar to a Metroidvania game
• Smooth movement and combat abilities

A new team could make a good platform game, but fans may worry that it would not feel like Ori without the people who helped build its identity.

Mahler has also argued that big game companies need to put the right developers on established franchises. His comments suggest he believes a famous series can lose what makes it special when it is handed to a team that does not fully understand it.

Who Owns the Ori Series?

Microsoft and Xbox have a major role in the franchise. Ori and the Will of the Wisps was published by Xbox Game Studios and developed by Moon Studios, showing the close partnership between the two companies.

Here is the simple breakdown:

Because Microsoft owns the IP, it has the legal power to decide whether another Ori game is made. That could mean working with Moon Studios again, assigning another studio, or leaving the franchise inactive.

What Happened to Ori Before These Rumors?

The Ori series has two main games:

1. Ori and the Blind Forest launched in 2015.
2. Ori and the Will of the Wisps launched on March 11, 2020.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps continued Ori’s story with a bigger world, new combat options, platforming challenges, and an emotional adventure through the Forest of Niwen.

Moon Studios later moved on to its next major game, No Rest for the Wicked. The studio has described Ori as an important part of its history while building its new action RPG.

Is Ori 3 Confirmed?

No, Ori 3 is not confirmed.

There is currently no official trailer, release date, developer announcement, Xbox Store page, or press release for a third Ori game. The only confirmed information is that rumors are circulating and that Moon Studios has no confirmed knowledge of a new title.

Ori 3 Rumors: What Is Confirmed and What Is Not?

When Could Ori 3 Be Announced?

Nobody knows yet. While some rumors pointed to a possible Xbox announcement, there is no official schedule connecting Ori to Gamescom, an Xbox Developer Direct, or any other showcase.

The best sign to watch for is a post from Xbox, Microsoft, or Moon Studios. Until then, fans should avoid treating leaked names, supposed release windows, and claimed developers as facts.

What Fans Should Expect Next

The most realistic expectation is to wait for Microsoft or Xbox to speak. If a new Ori project exists, an official reveal would likely include at least one of these details:

• The game’s full title
• Its developer
• A trailer or gameplay footage
• Platforms
• A release window
• Whether Moon Studios is involved

For now, the Ori 3 rumors are interesting, but they are still only rumors. Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler says he has not heard anything about the reported project, while also making it clear that his studio would like the chance to bring the series back under its control.