Ori Developer Shares Concept for Third Game as Spirit Tree
Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler has revealed a creative concept for a potential third Ori game that would fundamentally change the Metroidvania formula. The developer shared what he described as “one of the crazier ideas” for an Ori continuation, inspired by a GameCube FMV tech demo called Rebirth. This concept would have players controlling a Spirit Tree that gradually restores a desolate environment rather than playing as the familiar forest spirit Ori. Mahler’s vision represents a significant departure from the established gameplay of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, both of which have been praised for their innovative takes on the Metroidvania genre.
Mahler explained that his concept involves “maneuvering as a little tree within a desolate environment that you bring to life again, bit by bit.” He described the idea as “Think Katamari, but with a Ghibli-twist,” referencing both the quirky ball-rolling game series and the distinctive animation style of Studio Ghibli films. The core philosophy behind this approach is to “flip the Metroidvania design on its head” by focusing on environmental empowerment rather than character progression. Instead of acquiring traditional power-ups like double jumps or dashes, players would restore the world itself to overcome obstacles.
In this theoretical Ori threequel, progression would work differently from standard Metroidvanias. Mahler gave specific examples: “Perhaps you can repair the water flow to cross ravines or encourage tree growth to use as bridges, rather than empowering yourself via power ups.” The map would start as a barren forest that players gradually restore through their actions as the Spirit Tree. This approach emphasizes changing the game world itself rather than enhancing the player character’s abilities, creating what Mahler believes could be “deeply satisfying” gameplay that taps into different human instincts than traditional action-adventure games.
Mahler connected his concept to broader gaming trends, noting that “A lot of the videogames that have become wildly successful are about core human instincts – Hunting and Gathering, Farming, Collecting, etc.” He suggested that “the farming and gardening concept hasn’t really been fully explored yet and could potentially lead to a whole new genre.” While this remains just a creative concept rather than an official announcement, it demonstrates the innovative thinking that has made the Ori series successful. The first game has sold approximately 10 million copies, which Mahler notes “probably makes it the most successful Metroidvania ever made.” This Spirit Tree concept shows Moon Studios continues to explore creative directions for the beloved franchise.
