It's no secret that Microsoft's Xbox One generation was a challenging time for the company, marked by a series of missteps that still affect the brand over a decade later. The poorly executed reveal of the Xbox One led to significant backlash, causing many gamers to gravitate towards the PlayStation 4 as their preferred console. This shift resulted in tens of millions of players becoming effectively locked into Sony's ecosystem, making it increasingly difficult for Xbox to regain market share. The consequences of this generation's struggles are still evident today, with Xbox now choosing to release its flagship titles like Forza and Gears on competing platforms like PlayStation in an effort to reach a wider audience.
Amidst the turbulence of the Xbox One era, one shining beacon emerged: Moon Studios. While Microsoft's first-party content during this period was often criticized for mediocrity, with titles like Crackdown 3 failing to impress, Moon Studios delivered exceptional games that stood out. Their titles, Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, showcased stunning art, engaging platforming mechanics, poignant storytelling, and unforgettable musical scores. These games provided a glimmer of hope during a time when Xbox was struggling to find its footing in the gaming industry.
Fast forward to 2025, and Moon Studios is hard at work on their next project: No Rest for the Wicked. Described as an ambitious title, it draws inspiration from popular games like Diablo and Soulsborne titles, continuing Moon Studios' tradition of breathtaking visuals and immersive gameplay. However, the development process has not been without its challenges, particularly as the game is currently in Early Access. As of now, No Rest for the Wicked has received mixed reviews on Steam, with players voicing concerns about its design and difficulty level.
Many players have expressed their desire for quality of life improvements and clearer in-game mechanics, while others have criticized the game's tendency toward grinding for materials. Thomas Mahler, the founder and lead of Moon Studios, recently addressed the impact of these mixed reviews on the game’s sales. He articulated his concerns in the official Discord for No Rest for the Wicked, emphasizing the importance of positive feedback from the community. Mahler noted, "If you want to see us actually finish No Rest for the Wicked, it's detrimental that we get that review score back up." He expressed that the studio's future depends on the reception of the game, highlighting the dire situation they face if negative reviews continue to hinder sales.
The Early Access model allows developers to solicit real-time feedback while still in development, yet it comes with inherent risks. While some titles, including popular Microsoft games like Towerborne and Grounded, have thrived during their early access phases, No Rest for the Wicked may struggle under the weight of high expectations. Fans of Moon Studios are often less forgiving, which can put additional pressure on the development team. Mahler warned that negative reviews could jeopardize the future of the studio, stating that even established titles like Path of Exile 2 faced similar challenges when players resorted to review bombing as a form of feedback.
As the gaming landscape evolves, the notion of a "finished" game has become increasingly ambiguous, especially in 2025. Players now expect continual updates and improvements, which complicates the early access experience. I had initially intended to wait until No Rest for the Wicked was fully completed before revisiting it, but recent concerns over its viability have prompted me to reconsider.
To support Moon Studios and their remarkable talent, consider checking out No Rest for the Wicked on Steam. Leaving constructive and positive feedback can play a vital role in ensuring the studio's continued success. With the creative minds behind Ori and the Blind Forest at the helm, there's hope that No Rest for the Wicked can evolve into a fantastic experience that lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors.
