Reflecting on Xbox’s History: Lessons from Moon Studios
It’s widely recognized that Microsoft’s “Xbox One” generation faced significant challenges. The disastrous launch event for the Xbox One has left lasting issues that the brand continues to address over a decade later. Consequently, the global gaming community gravitated towards the PlayStation 4, resulting in millions becoming entrenched in Sony’s digital ecosystem.
Losing this generation has imposed heavy costs, with acquiring users locked into one platform becoming prohibitively expensive. As a result, Xbox has begun releasing its homegrown titles, such as Forza and Gears, on PlayStation in increasing numbers.
The One Bright Spot
The significance of this history for today’s discussion lies in the contribution of Moon Studios. The attempt to unveil the Xbox One was followed by years of limited investment in first-party content, with most titles released during this era receiving mediocre critiques, alongside notable misses like Crackdown 3. Only two games truly stood out during this time—Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps.
Moon Studios’ New Ambition
Moon Studios created an exceptional experience with Ori, characterized by stunning art, engaging gameplay, and a compelling narrative. Fast forward to 2025, and Moon Studios is working on its upcoming title: No Rest for the Wicked, which has proven to be a challenging project for the independent developer.
Current Challenges
Despite the promising potential of No Rest for the Wicked—drawing inspiration from titles like Diablo and other games in the soulsborne genre—it faces hurdles during its Early Access phase. The game currently has mixed reviews on Steam, with players expressing concerns about its design, difficulty, and the grinding nature of gameplay. Thomas Mahler, the lead at Moon Studios, has voiced his concerns about the impact of these reviews on the studio’s viability.
A Call for Support
Mahler articulated that negative reviews can have devastating consequences for indie studios, explaining that the survival of Moon Studios could be at stake if circumstances do not improve. He emphasized the importance of positive feedback from players in ensuring their continued existence, urging supporters to leave favorable reviews if they enjoy the game.
The Future of Game Development
As Early Access has become a standard means for ongoing game development, it’s essential for studios like Moon to balance user feedback with the expectations that come from their established reputation. While many games thrive in this model, the potential pitfalls are evident, especially when players are unwilling to take early releases at face value. Supporting indies like Moon Studios can play a critical role in the longevity of innovative gaming experiences.
