Ori Devs Reveal Why No Rest For The Wicked Hits PS5 Before Xbox
▼ Summary
– Moon Studios is prioritizing PS5 and potentially Switch 2 for the console port of *No Rest for the Wicked*, citing “current market conditions” as the reason.
– The studio hasn’t ruled out an Xbox release but will discuss it with Microsoft later, focusing first on platforms with more users.
– Moon Studios’ CEO explained that optimizing for PS5 is easier than Xbox Series X|S, making it more practical for their small team.
– The PS5’s larger user base (49 million monthly users as of April 2024) influenced the decision to prioritize it over Xbox.
– Microsoft’s shift toward multiplatform releases and lack of clear Xbox sales data further supports Moon Studios’ platform strategy.
Moon Studios, the creative force behind the Ori series, has announced plans to prioritize PlayStation 5 and possibly Nintendo Switch 2 for the console version of their upcoming action RPG No Rest for the Wicked. While an Xbox Series X|S release isn’t off the table, the studio cites practical considerations as the driving factor behind this decision.
During a discussion on Discord, studio CEO Thomas Mahler pointed to current market conditions as the primary reason for focusing on PS5 initially. He emphasized that as a smaller independent developer, Moon Studios must carefully allocate resources. “We’ll first support the platform with the largest user base purely for efficiency,” Mahler explained. “Porting to Xbox means optimizing for both Series X and Series S, which requires additional time compared to PS5 and its Pro variant.”
Mahler later clarified on social media that the studio ultimately aims to release the game on all major platforms. However, the technical challenges of adapting No Rest for the Wicked for Xbox’s dual hardware setup make PlayStation the more straightforward choice for now. “Our goal is to deliver the best possible experience as quickly as we can,” he added.
This approach isn’t unprecedented. Several developers have opted for staggered console releases, often favoring PlayStation due to its larger install base. Recent sales data suggests the PS5 has outsold Xbox Series X|S by a significant margin, with Sony reporting nearly 49 million active monthly users earlier this year. Meanwhile, Microsoft has remained tight-lipped about exact Xbox sales figures while expanding its multiplatform strategy, including collaborations like the upcoming Asus handheld PC.
For Moon Studios, the decision boils down to practicality. With limited manpower, optimizing for fewer platforms first allows them to meet player expectations without unnecessary delays. While Xbox fans may need to wait longer, the studio’s commitment to quality suggests the eventual port will be worth the patience.
(Source: GameSpot)
