Moon Studios, the creative force behind the beloved Ori series and the upcoming action‑RPG "No Rest for the Wicked," has announced a significant delay to the title's full launch. Originally slated for an October 2026 debut, the studio now aims to release the finished product in March 2027.
This decision comes after a period of early‑access testing that began in April 2024 and after the game has already moved two million copies in that phase. The studio’s public statement makes it clear that while the game is "close" to a complete version, the team does not consider "close" sufficient for the final 1.0 release. "The honest truth is that we're a small team, and we're holding our games to a standard we won't compromise on," the announcement reads. Moon Studios emphasizes that the extra months will be used to fine‑tune performance, tighten the class system, and polish every aspect of the experience to meet the high expectations of its community.
According to the developers, the delay will also allow for additional closed and open beta sessions in the coming months. These tests are intended to give players more opportunities to engage with the game, provide feedback, and help shape the final build. An open beta is scheduled for December, giving the community a chance to explore the world and mechanics before the official launch.
Customers who purchase "No Rest for the Wicked" before January 1, 2027, will be rewarded with a special "Founders Pack" as a token of appreciation for supporting the project during its early‑access period. PlayStation users will be able to pre‑order the game starting in January 2027, and those pre‑orders will also include the same founder rewards. In a separate video posted to YouTube, studio founder Thomas Mahler explained that the development team has been in a "mad dash" to integrate additional content, finalize the class system, and ensure all 1.0 features are present and functional.
Mahler noted that extensive playtesting has revealed that the game is still a work in progress. "We've been playtesting a lot, and the truth is simply that we're not quite there yet," he said. Mahler traced the project's origins back to 2016, when the first prototypes of "No Rest for the Wicked" were created.
Over the past decade, the team has iterated on the concept, gradually expanding the world, narrative, and gameplay systems. Now, with the project entering its final months, the studio feels a responsibility to deliver a product that feels both polished and memorable. "We'd rather take a few more months than ship something that we know isn't quite perfect yet," the statement reads.
The delay also reflects Moon Studios' desire to avoid releasing a game riddled with minor bugs or performance issues. "We want everybody to have a wonderful experience and ship something that is one of those generational games that only comes out every so often," Mahler added. By allocating extra time, the developers hope to eliminate any lingering technical glitches and ensure the game runs smoothly across all platforms. Industry observers have noted that the decision aligns with a broader trend among indie and mid‑size studios to prioritize quality over strict adherence to launch windows.
While delays can be disappointing for eager fans, many appreciate the transparency and commitment to excellence shown by Moon Studios. The studio's track record with the Ori franchise, known for its tight platforming and artistic design, sets a high bar for expectations, and the team appears determined to meet or exceed those standards with their new IP. In summary, Moon Studios has shifted the full release of "No Rest for the Wicked" to March 2027, citing a need for additional polishing, performance optimization, and class‑system refinement. The delay will facilitate further beta testing, reward early supporters, and ultimately aim to deliver a game that stands out as a generational experience.
Fans can look forward to an open beta in December, continued community involvement, and a final product that reflects the studio's unwavering commitment to quality.