Moon Studios has announced its new status as a completely independent game development studio after securing the publishing rights for their title, No Rest for the Wicked, from Take-Two Interactive.
No Rest for the Wicked, which is the studio’s third project following the critically acclaimed Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, was first revealed in December 2023. The game became available in Steam Early Access in April 2024. Initially, this early access release was managed by Private Division, a subsidiary of Take-Two known for publishing games from smaller developers.
In November 2024, Take-Two sold Private Division to a new buyer, resulting in the transaction that included most of Private Division’s existing and unreleased titles. One notable exception was No Rest for the Wicked. According to Take-Two, the decision not to include this game in the sale was made to allow for continued support and development.
Recently, Moon Studios made an announcement confirming their full independence in the gaming industry, stating that they had obtained the rights to publish No Rest for the Wicked. This development allows them to pursue their creative vision without outside constraints.
During a presentation titled Wicked Inside, Moon Studios also revealed an upcoming major update for the game called The Breach, scheduled for release on April 30. The Breach is expected to be the most significant update yet, and it will broaden the game’s existing campaign, introducing new areas, armors, factions, enemies, and weapons. Additionally, it will enrich the game’s lore and effectively double the size of its world.
Following the release of The Breach, Moon Studios plans to focus on a subsequent update that will introduce co-op gameplay for up to four players. Fans of the game can also look forward to new music composed by Gareth Coker, who previously composed for the Ori series.
When No Rest for the Wicked was originally announced, Gennadiy Korol, the technology and production director, shared that the development team had been working on the game for six years. Thomas Mahler, the CEO and creative director of Moon Studios, expressed excitement about the project, noting the team’s enthusiasm for contributing to the action role-playing game (ARPG) genre, which they have all cherished since childhood. He highlighted that after the success of their previous titles, the studio felt well-prepared to explore this new genre.
This transition to full independence and the upcoming plans for No Rest for the Wicked represent significant milestones for Moon Studios, reflecting their commitment to delivering innovative and engaging gaming experiences that resonate with their audience. With their established expertise and a clear vision ahead, fans of the studio are keen to see how this new chapter will unfold.