Why Ori Studio’s CEO Calls Focus on PS5 Over Xbox for Next Game a Smart Move, Not a ‘Shakedown’

Moon Studios, the talented team behind the Ori series, is shifting its focus to the PS5 for its upcoming game, *No Rest for the Wicked*. This decision comes amidst changing market conditions.

Currently, *No Rest for the Wicked* is in early access on PC, with plans for a console release later. Studio CEO Thomas Mahler shared on the game’s Discord that they might prioritize the PS5 and possibly the Switch 2 for the initial launch, stating that discussions with Microsoft are still needed for the Xbox version.

This move is surprising, especially since the Ori games initially debuted on Xbox with Microsoft as the publisher. Mahler later clarified on social media that while they aim to support multiple platforms, focusing on the PS5 seems most practical right now. He noted that they ultimately plan to release on all platforms, but not necessarily at the same time.

On the NeoGAF forum, Mahler addressed concerns that this shift was a tactic against Microsoft. He emphasized it’s simply about making smart choices for their resources. He explained that, as a smaller indie studio, creating a quality product for Xbox will take more time due to the need to optimize for both Xbox Series X and S. Therefore, it makes sense to first launch on the PS5.

Since its early access release in April 2024, *No Rest for the Wicked* has received regular updates and now holds a “Mostly Positive” rating on [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1371980/No_Rest_for_the_Wicked/). Feedback from players indicates that many are eager for co-op features and console support, which aligns with Moon Studios’ goals.

In March, Moon Studios became a fully independent entity after acquiring the game’s publishing rights from Take-Two. This move not only gives them creative freedom but also allows them to navigate market changes more effectively.

Overall, the gaming landscape continues to shift, and small studios like Moon are finding ways to adapt. As the gaming community watches closely, we can expect more conversation and potential strategies from them regarding support for other platforms. The success of *No Rest for the Wicked* will surely depend on their ability to balance quality with consumer demand across various systems.

For more insights on the industry, check out the latest trends and statistics from [Statista](https://www.statista.com/topics/868/video-games/) to see how market conditions are influencing game development and console choices.

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