Thomas Mahler, the creator of Ori And The Will Of The Wisps, has officially shut down persistent rumours suggesting that a third game in the acclaimed series is currently in development. Recent speculation, fueled by various online leakers, had claimed that Microsoft was preparing to announce an unexpected sequel to the franchise at the upcoming Gamescom event.
Addressing the claims directly on social media, Mahler was unequivocal in his dismissal. “I can confirm that the Ori 3 rumours are nonsense,” he stated. Despite the lack of an active project, Mahler shared that the idea has been discussed internally, noting that even series composer Gareth Coker had recently inquired about the possibility of returning to the franchise, remarking that “it’s time” for another installment.
Mahler took the opportunity to reflect on the stewardship of intellectual properties, drawing a sharp contrast between his vision for Ori and the struggles faced by other major franchises. “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 Microsoft has learned their lesson that the right talent needs to work on those IPs, otherwise you’ll undoubtedly get more slop,” he continued. “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!”
The creator emphasized the unique challenges associated with the series, noting that the narrative requires a “delicate touch” and a deep understanding of Metroidvania design principles. When challenged by a fan who suggested that a third game might be perceived as a “cash grab” following the narrative conclusion of Ori 2, Mahler remained confident in his team’s ability to maintain quality. “Not if it’s done by us in the right way. Hell, I even had people say that after Blind Forest – and I think we did pretty well with Will Of The Wisps?”
While fans of the series may be disappointed by the lack of an immediate sequel, Mahler’s comments highlight a strong desire to protect the integrity of the Ori brand, potentially paving the way for a future where the studio retains full creative control.
