Moon Studios ‘Fully Independent’ After Purchasing Publishing Rights from Take-Two.

Ori, No Rest for the Wicked dev goes Solo

Moon Studios, renowned for developing the Ori series and the upcoming action-RPG No Rest for the Wicked, has achieved full independence by reacquiring the publishing rights to No Rest for the Wicked from Take-Two Interactive. This strategic move allows Moon Studios to fully realize its creative vision without external constraints.

Initially, No Rest for the Wicked was being developed under Private Division, a subsidiary of Take-Two. However, in November 2024, Take-Two sold Private Division to Haveli Investments, leaving the future of the game’s publishing rights uncertain. Moon Studios, not wanting to be sidelined, engaged in extensive negotiations to regain control. After months of discussions, they successfully secured the publishing rights, marking their transition to full independence.

This newfound autonomy is expected to positively influence the development and direction of No Rest for the Wicked, as Moon Studios can now operate without the need for external approvals or oversight. The team expressed enthusiasm about this change, stating it would enhance players’ confidence in the game’s vision. They also teased a significant upcoming update, “The Breach,” which will substantially expand the game’s world and introduce new content.

Moon Studios’ decision to regain publishing rights exemplifies a growing trend among game developers seeking greater creative control by moving away from traditional publishing arrangements. This shift allows studios to align their projects more closely with their original visions and respond more flexibly to player feedback.