Executive Overview
Rumors have been swirling across the gaming community regarding a potential revival of one of Xbox’s most critically acclaimed franchises: Ori. Speculation reached a fever pitch following cryptic teases from reliable industry insiders, pointing toward a possible unexpected sequel in development by an external studio. While original creators Moon Studios have repeatedly stated that Ori’s narrative journey reached its natural conclusion with Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Microsoft reportedly has other plans for the valuable intellectual property.
As the gaming industry sets its sights on Gamescom, insiders like Nate the Hate and Windows Central’s Jez Corden have hinted that a major, unannounced Xbox first-party project—potentially linked to the Ori universe—might finally break cover. This comprehensive report examines the genesis of the rumors, the potential studio taking over the reins, the status of Moon Studios, and what a third installment means for the beloved Metroidvania franchise.
Detailed Chronology of the Leaks: How the Rumor Mill Began
The trail leading to the rumored Ori revival began subtly before exploding into a full-scale community investigation across social media and gaming forums.
The Initial Tease on X and ResetEra
The chatter commenced when prominent industry insider Nate the Hate took to X (formerly Twitter) to hint at an upcoming, under-the-radar Xbox announcement slated for the Gamescom window. While initial remarks were vague, discussions quickly migrated to the ResetEra forums, where users thread-sleuthed and aggregated snippets of information from various sources close to Microsoft’s publishing pipeline.
As speculation intensified, Nate the Hate noted that what piqued his curiosity most was not just the game itself, but the identity of the third-party studio entrusted with such a visually and mechanically demanding property. Soon after, Nate explicitly clarified on ResetEra: "A new Ori is what I was referring to. I do not have confirmation whether it will or won’t be at Gamescom, yet."
Jez Corden’s Patreon and Corroboration
The rumors gained significant institutional weight when Windows Central’s veteran gaming journalist Jez Corden addressed the murmurs behind his Patreon paywall. Corden corroborated that Xbox was gearing up for substantial surprises at Gamescom, explicitly warning fans to temper expectations regarding certain dormant franchises (such as Banjo-Kazooie) while pointing toward an unexpected sequel reveal.
Following Corden’s remarks, Nate the Hate confirmed in subsequent social media discussions that he had independently heard about this mysterious sequel from multiple distinct industry contacts, cementing the narrative that something tangible was moving behind closed doors at Microsoft.
The Suspect Studio: Who is Developing the Next Ori?
One of the most provocative elements of the current rumor cycle is the identity of the developer. Because Moon Studios—the creative minds behind the first two masterpieces—has moved on to other projects, Microsoft has reportedly handed the keys to the kingdom to an outside team.
The Saber Interactive Connection
On the ResetEra forums, user Kiri_Kis557 added fuel to the speculation fire by claiming to have heard whispers that the rumored Ori project is being spearheaded by "one of Saber Interactive’s divisions."
While Saber Interactive is a massive, multi-faceted global developer known for handling everything from major ports (The Witcher 3 on Nintendo Switch) to original multiplayer hits (Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2), taking on an artistic, platforming Metroidvania with the visual fidelity of Ori would represent a fascinating departure for the studio.
Unconfirmed Status and Industry Realities
It is crucial to emphasize that the involvement of Saber Interactive remains firmly in the realm of unconfirmed rumor. Even if the existence of a new Ori game is accurate—supported by multiple reliable insiders—the project could easily be handled by a different internal Microsoft partner or an entirely independent European studio specializing in 2D platformers and atmospheric action-adventure titles.
Regardless of the developer, stepping into the shoes of Moon Studios is no small feat. The bar for visual presentation, orchestral soundscapes, and fluid movement mechanics is impossibly high.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Legacy of Ori and Moon Studios
To understand why a new Ori game is generating such massive industry excitement—and anxiety—one must look back at the critical and commercial impact of the original duology.
| Game Title | Release Year | Metacritic Score (PC/Xbox) | Key Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ori and the Blind Forest | 2015 | ~88-89/100 | Established Moon Studios; praised for breathtaking art and emotional storytelling. |
| Ori and the Will of the Wisps | 2020 | ~90/100 | Expanded combat and scope; universally lauded as a masterclass in the Metroidvania genre. |
| No Rest for the Wicked | 2024 (Early Access) | Ongoing | Moon Studios’ current dark action-RPG project, marking a tonal shift away from Ori. |
The Vision of Moon Studios
Moon Studios captivated the global gaming audience with Ori and the Blind Forest (2015) and its monumental sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020). Published by Xbox Game Studios, these Metroidvania titles set a gold standard for hand-drawn aesthetics, fluid traversal, punishing platforming challenges, and deeply emotional, wordless storytelling accompanied by Gareth Coker’s iconic musical scores.
However, in an extensive exclusive interview with Game Informer, co-founders Thomas Mahler and Gennadiy Korol made it explicitly clear that they considered Ori’s personal arc complete. From their perspective, the narrative questions had been answered, the world had evolved, and they had no narrative justification for a third chapter.
Instead, Moon Studios pivoted entirely toward No Rest for the Wicked, an ambitious, gritty isometric action-role-playing game currently available in early access. With Moon Studios busy forging a new path, Microsoft’s decision to keep the Ori intellectual property alive via an external studio highlights the publisher’s desire to maintain a presence in the beloved platforming genre.
Official Statements and Industry Outlook
As the gaming world looks toward upcoming digital showcases and European gaming conventions, questions remain regarding how Microsoft will handle the public rollout of such a sensitive project—if it exists in the immediate pipeline.
Navigating Fan Expectations
Fan reactions to the leak have been deeply polarized. On one hand, the prospect of returning to the ethereal, glowing forests of Nibel and Niwen brings immense joy to platformer enthusiasts. On the other hand, purists worry that an Ori game developed without the creative oversight of Moon Studios might lack the distinct magical touch, emotional weight, and meticulous hand-crafted polish that defined the first two games.
Insiders themselves are exercising caution. While Nate the Hate stands by his sources regarding the existence of a new Ori project, he has openly admitted that he cannot guarantee an official reveal at Gamescom Opening Night Live. Nevertheless, chatter surrounding a potential 2026 launch window suggests that if the project is real, marketing efforts may not be far off.
What Lies Ahead for the IP
Microsoft owns the rights to the Ori trademark, meaning the Redmond-based tech giant holds the absolute authority to license the IP out to capable teams. Whether the rumored title is a direct sequel, a prequel, or a spin-off set in the same universe, the pressure on the development team will be immense.
For now, the gaming community remains in a state of eager suspense. As Gamescom unfolds, all eyes will be locked on Xbox presentations, waiting to see if the whispers in the woods materialize into a formal announcement, or if the forest spirits will remain hidden for just a little longer.
