Yes, Xbox, through its parent company Microsoft, does own the Ori game series.
Microsoft acquired the rights to the Ori series, including the critically acclaimed Ori and the Blind Forest, early in its development cycle. While the game was meticulously developed over approximately four years by Moon Studios, a globally distributed team of designers and programmers, Microsoft secured ownership of the intellectual property about a year after development commenced. This strategic acquisition means that the Ori games are part of Microsoft's extensive portfolio of first-party titles, published under the Xbox Game Studios banner.
This ownership allows Microsoft to manage the game's distribution, future development (though Moon Studios remains the primary developer for new entries), and integration into services like Xbox Game Pass.
Key Relationships in Ori's Development and Ownership
To clarify the key players and their roles in the Ori series:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Moon Studios (an independent game development studio) |
| Intellectual Property Owner | Microsoft (the corporation that owns Xbox) |
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios (Microsoft's video game publishing division) |
| Primary Platforms | Xbox consoles and PC (also available on Nintendo Switch) |
Ori and the Blind Forest and its sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, are celebrated for their stunning art, emotional storytelling, and precise platforming gameplay, making them valuable assets within the Xbox ecosystem and to players worldwide.
