Ori Developer Moon Studios Warns Negative Reviews Threaten Studio Future
Moon Studios, known for the Ori series, is facing controversy. Thomas Mahler, founder of the studio, says negative user reviews for their new project, No Rest for the Wicked, are threatening the studio’s future.
Mahler stated on Discord that sales are severely impacted, jeopardizing their financial sustainability. He emphasized that positive player reviews are crucial for the studio’s survival, suggesting the studio could close within months if they don’t receive them.
While No Rest for the Wicked currently has a “Mostly Positive” overall rating on Steam, recent reviews are marked as “Mixed.” Mahler argues that every negative review directly affects sales and profitability, posing a significant risk to the studio’s future.
“If you don’t leave a review, we might not be around to do future updates for this game in a few months,” Mahler said, urging positive players to leave reviews. This call has drawn criticism, with some users pointing out that negative reviews often contain valid and constructive criticism.
Criticisms of No Rest for the Wicked include complaints about a cluttered interface, punishing gameplay, and weak storytelling. It’s not accurate to claim all negative feedback is unjustified. Mahler’s message highlights the sensitivity of independent developers to user reviews and raises questions about the balance between constructive criticism and harmful backlash.