Director calls Ori 3 rumors ‘nonsense’, amid claims Xbox is making a new game without him

Conflict has emerged regarding the future of the Ori franchise following claims that Xbox is working on a new game in the series. This development comes six years after the release of the last Metroidvania title in the franchise. While reports suggest that Xbox is currently developing a new entry, the original creator of the series and the director have explicitly denied these rumors. The tension centers on whether a new project is being developed without the involvement of the original team, creating a divide between leak-based claims and official statements from the leadership at Moon Studios. Coverage from several outlets, including Insider Gaming, Pure Xbox, and Video Games Chronicle, emphasizes the director's blunt dismissal of the reports, specifically quoting the term 'nonsense' to describe the rumors of an Ori 3.

Yahoo Tech attributes the original leak to an individual known for leaking information regarding The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Meanwhile, Press Start Australia highlights that the original creator has seemingly shut down the speculation. The reports collectively paint a picture of contradictory narratives between an industry leaker and the studio's leadership. To understand the stakes of this conflict, readers must note that the last game in the series was released six years ago and was described as an excellent Metroidvania. The franchise is closely tied to Moon Studios, and the current dispute involves the CEO and director of that studio.

The situation is particularly sensitive because of the claim that Xbox might be proceeding with a new game without the participation of the original director, which would represent a significant shift in the creative direction and ownership of the series' development process. Attention is now focused on the upcoming Gamescom event. According to Pure Xbox, there is speculation that Xbox might use the event to announce Ori 3, although the CEO of Moon Studios maintains that such an announcement would be 'nonsense.' Observers are monitoring whether Xbox will provide official clarification on the status of the franchise or if the event will pass without any mention of the series. The primary point of interest remains the discrepancy between the leaker's claims and the public denials from the original creators.