GamesBeat’s investigation into Moon Studios, the developer of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, reported that current and former developers described the studio as an “oppressive” workplace. The accounts included allegations about language, criticism, communication, crunch and turnover. They are employee accounts reported by GamesBeat—not findings by a court or regulator. Dean Takahashi’s story was published March 18, 2022, and updated June 19, 2025.
What GamesBeat reported
Reporter Dean Takahashi said the investigation drew on interviews with current and former Moon Studios developers from multiple parts of the company and with different levels of experience. The article presents their accounts of working at the studio; it does not establish that every employee experienced the workplace in the same way.
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One developer, identified only as a game developer, told GamesBeat: “It’s an oppressive workplace, for sure.” The article attributed a range of workplace complaints to interviewees, including allegations involving founders Thomas Mahler and Gennadiy Korol.
- Language and criticism: Interviewees described offensive jokes and language, as well as harsh criticism in public chats.
- Feedback and communication: Developers recounted unclear or conflicting feedback and communication challenges in a remote workplace spanning time zones.
- Crunch and changing work: The report described employee accounts of crunch associated with shifting scope and deadlines.
- Stress and turnover: Interviewees described stress and burnout, and the article reported concerns about high turnover. It did not establish an independently sourced turnover or burnout rate.
These are claims attributed to people interviewed by GamesBeat, not independently verified rates or adjudicated conclusions.
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- Includes bonus material in the Definitive Edition includes a digital copy of the original game, behind the scenes videos chronicling the making of the game and much more.
- Includes a CD of the award winning original soundtrack.
- Unlock and upgrade powerful abilities as your adventure progresses;Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Mild fantasy violence
How the founders responded
Mahler and Korol disputed that the experiences described in the reporter’s questions represented the broader team or former employees generally. In their response, they said they wanted a distributed studio, a vibrant team culture and shared rewards. They also said they regretted making anyone uncomfortable and would strive to improve.
The founders’ response, reproduced by GamesBeat, included: “We are not perfect but we deeply care about our talent and are constantly working hard to improve.” They also said they had “more than 80” team members. That number is the founders’ own statement in the response, not an independently established workforce count.
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- Detailed Resin Base: Includes expanded details like fruits, plant life, and Spirit Tree roots, painted to match the Night color scheme
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What the report does—and does not—establish
The story documents employee accounts and the founders’ response. It is not a court or regulator finding that the alleged conduct occurred. GamesBeat wrote that, to its knowledge at the time of publication, the allegations had not led to lawsuits or criminal probes. That statement describes the outlet’s knowledge when the story was published in March 2022; it does not establish the legal status today.
Read the GamesBeat report by Dean Takahashi for the full account and reproduced response.
Quick Recap
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- Get bonus physical items: set of art cards and digital soundtracks
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