Ori Boss Apologises After Criticising Hello Games & CD Projekt Red

The direct of Ori and the Blind Forest has said he “screwed up” after criticising the likes of CD Projekt Red and Hello Games [via VGC].

ori forest
Credit: Moon Studios

The Moon Studio CEO has apologised for his lengthy comments on the forum ResetEra, where he described the Cyberpunk and No Man’s Sky creators as “snake-oil salesmen”. Thomas Mahler also included Peter Molyneux in his words, claiming that the Fable creator started a deceptive marketing trend.

In a follow-up apology also posted to ResetEra, Mahler stated the following:

“By now a lot of you will have probably read my posting on Resetera yesterday. I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder and talked about the downsides of the current hype culture and now developers making false claims about their products hurts not only the consumers but the developers as well. At least that was the intention behind it all.

ori-cyberpunk-no-mans-sky
Credit: CD Projekt Red/Moon Studios/Hello Games

Now, a day later, I’ve read the responses and I realize I wasn’t thoughtful in the way I presented my thoughts, nor did I choose the right tone or platform for it. After I made this thread, we had a pretty long conversation internally about all of this and I definitely didn’t represent Moon Studio the way I should have.”

Mahler also added that he may have used an “overly aggressive tone” but insists that he didn’t mean to harm anyone with his remarks. The Ori CEO also made mention of those he named in his rant with the following comment:

no man's sky art
Credit: Hello Games

We all share a common love for this artform and we should always remain respectful with each other. And I wasn’t yesterday.

And for that I really am sorry, especially to those that I mentioned by name. I promise that I’ll learn from this mistake and wish no hard feelings towards anybody.”

No man's sky background with V from cyberpunk 2077
Credit: Hello Games/CD Projekt Red

Hopefully, those mentioned in Mahler’s comments will realise that what was said was out of passion and frustration.

While there’s an element of truth to Mahler’s original words, it’s great to see the director acknowledging that there are better ways to have these conversations within the industry!

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Featured Image Credit: Hello Games/CD Projekt Red