Moon Studios, the creators of the acclaimed Ori series, have announced their decision to prioritize the PlayStation 5, and potentially the future Nintendo Switch 2, for the console release of their new PC game, No Rest for the Wicked. This strategic choice is attributed to prevailing market conditions. While the studio has not entirely dismissed an Xbox Series X|S version, CEO Thomas Mahler indicated that focusing on the PS5 first was the most logical step.
Mahler further clarified his statement on the No Rest for the Wicked Discord channel, explaining, “Given current market dynamics, we might initially launch only on PS5 and potentially Switch 2. We`ll need to engage in discussions with Microsoft to determine the best approach for Xbox.”
In subsequent social media discussions, Mahler reiterated Moon Studios` long-term goal to make the game available on all major platforms. He elaborated on the NeoGAF forum that optimizing the game for PS5 is less complex compared to the Xbox Series X|S. For a relatively small independent developer like Moon Studios, this streamlined approach offers significant economic advantages, allowing them to manage their resources more efficiently.
Mahler articulated their resource-driven strategy: “Our primary focus will be on supporting the platform with the largest user base, purely due to resource limitations. As a comparatively small indie studio, achieving our desired quality level for a console port is a substantial undertaking. Porting to Xbox involves optimizing for both Series X and Series S, which demands more development time than porting to PS5 and PS5 Pro. Therefore, our most probable plan is to release on PS5 and PS5 Pro first to satisfy our fanbase, with other console versions following later. This is a pragmatic decision, ensuring we make the most effective use of our resources while delivering the game to players as swiftly as possible.”
Moon Studios` decision to launch on PS5 prior to Xbox Series X|S is not an isolated incident. Data released last year suggested that the PS5 might have outsold the Xbox Series X|S by an approximate 2:1 margin, a disparity that could have increased since then. Sony recently reported over 49 million monthly active users on PS5 as of April 30, 2024.
Conversely, Microsoft has been less forthcoming with exact sales figures for its Xbox Series X|S consoles. In recent months, the company has increasingly adopted a “this is an Xbox” multiplatform strategy, resulting in several previously exclusive Xbox titles becoming available on PS5. Furthermore, Microsoft has partnered with Asus to develop an Xbox-branded portable gaming PC, indicating a broader shift in their hardware strategy.