Ori director defends game's difficulty against Microsoft concerns

Thomas Mahler, director of the Ori series, revealed that Microsoft initially thought the games were too difficult for a broad audience. Mahler insisted on maintaining the challenge, likening his design philosophy to that of Nintendo and FromSoftware's Hidetaka Miyazaki. Mahler emphasized the importance of overcoming challenges in gameplay, stating that it enhances the player's experience. He noted that while Ori games are considered tough, they are average in difficulty compared to other Metroidvanias. Moon Studios, now fully independent after negotiations with its former publisher, is currently focused on developing a new action-RPG titled No Rest for the Wicked, but may return to the Metroidvania genre in the future.