Thomas Mahler, the creator of Ori and chief executive of Moon Studios, has called the Ori 3 rumours “nonsense” — and says the studio has discussed buying the franchise back from Microsoft.
The speculation began over the weekend, when NateTheHate claimed the unannounced Xbox title tipped for Gamescom was a new Ori game. “A new Ori is what I was referring to,” the account said on ResetEra, though it could not confirm whether the game would appear at the show this week.
Video Games Chronicle reports that fans then asked Mahler directly, including the suggestion that Saber Interactive might be involved. His reply was not a confirmation.
As before, I haven’t heard anything about any of this. I think after having put billions into 343 to handle Halo and not being able to recapture the old magic, I’d guess that by now MS has learned their lesson that the right talent needs to work on those IP’s, otherwise you’ll undoubtedly get more slop. 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!
Thomas Mahler, Moon Studios
Later that day Mahler went further, confirming that the Ori 3 rumours were “nonsense”. When a fan pointed out that NateTheHate had claimed a new Ori was coming, he said he had “just talked to people at Microsoft – but sure, you’d know better”.
What did Mahler say about Ori 3?
Moon Studios made the first two Ori games before switching to the action RPG No Rest for the Wicked. It became fully independent in March 2025 after regaining that game’s publishing rights from Take-Two.
Mahler has been open about the series before — earlier this year he told tbreak that Game Pass needed more hits, not mediocre content.
Where does the Xbox rumour stand?
NateTheHate’s claim remains unconfirmed. Microsoft has announced its Gamescom 2026 appearances without naming a surprise title, and Mahler’s denial is the only on-record response.
The first two Ori games remain on Game Pass and Switch, for anyone the speculation has reminded to catch up.
Who is Thomas Mahler?
Co-founder, chief executive and creative director of Moon Studios, and creator of the Ori series. He now leads No Rest for the Wicked.
Who owns the Ori franchise?
Microsoft, via Xbox Game Studios. Moon Studios made the first two Ori games, then left and became fully independent in March 2025.
Is Ori 3 in development?
Not confirmed. Mahler called the rumours “nonsense” and said he had heard nothing about a third game, though Moon Studios has discussed buying the franchise back.
