Thomas Mahler Dismisses Speculation About a Third Ori Game

Over the past week, several leakers have claimed that Microsoft plans to announce an unexpected sequel to one of its classic titles at Gamescom later this month, with rumors circulating that a third Ori installment is in development.

The original Ori And The Blind Forest launched in 2017, followed by Ori And The Will Of The Wisps in 2020. Both titles were developed by Moon Studios, yet recent speculation suggests a different Xbox‑owned studio might take on a third entry.

Mahler took to social media to refute the rumors, sharing a tweet that declared the third‑Ori speculation “nonsense,” and mentioning that he had dinner with composer Gareth Coker, who was recording the No Rest For The Wicked soundtrack in Vienna and had asked whether they were prepared for another project, replying, “It’s time.”

I can confirm that the Ori 3 rumors are nonsense

That said, I had Gareth over for dinner a while ago since he was recording the No Rest for the Wicked Soundtrack in Vienna (you folks will LOVE it!) and even he asked me if we’d be ready to do another one.

“It’s time”, he…

— thomasmahler (@thomasmahler) August 23, 2026

He added that after Microsoft poured billions into 343 Industries to manage the Halo franchise without recapturing its former magic, the company likely now recognizes the need for the appropriate talent to work on its intellectual properties, lest they produce subpar results. Internally, Microsoft has discussed the possibility of buying the Ori IP back, expressing doubt that any other studio could meaningfully develop it, and suggesting that returning the franchise to Moon Studios would be the best solution.

He noted that the title is challenging to manage, requiring a nuanced story and expertise in crafting a proper Metroidvania experience that builds on his own level design; he does not see any other studio capable of delivering that.

It’s just a difficult title to handle… the story needs a delicate touch and you’d need to understand how to make a proper Metroidvania and follow-up on my level design – I don’t see any other studio out there that I’d trust to do that.

— thomasmahler (@thomasmahler) August 23, 2026

A fan remarked that Ori 2 brought the story full circle and that a third installment would be merely a cash grab, but Mahler countered that, if developed correctly by his team, it would not be a cash grab, recalling similar doubts raised after Blind Forest, which he believes was handled well.

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