The Story Behind Moon Studios: Founders and Vision

 

Established in 2010, Moon Studios is a name that resonates with gamers and industry professionals alike, known for their critically acclaimed titles such as Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. But what lies behind these magical worlds? This article delves into the founders of Moon Studios, their vision, and how they positioned themselves as pioneers in indie game development.

The Founders of Moon Studios

Moon Studios was founded by Thomas Mahler and Gennadiy Korol, both of whom are passionate gamers and talented developers. Their journey began at a young age, sharing a common dream of creating immersive gaming experiences.

Founder Background Contribution
Thomas Mahler Former employee at Blizzard Entertainment Creative Director, driving vision and story development
Gennadiy Korol Game Developer with a strong programming background Technical Director, overseeing game mechanics and systems

Vision and Philosophy

The vision of Moon Studios is built around creating games that evoke emotion, challenge players, and tell compelling stories. The founders believed that games should be more than just entertainment; they should be an art form that connects with players on a deeper level.

Core Values

Moon Studios operates under a few core values that guide their development process:

  • Artistic Integrity: They prioritize artistic expression in every game they create.
  • Player Experience: Crafting experiences that resonate emotionally with players is paramount.
  • Innovation: Striving to innovate in gameplay mechanics and storytelling.

Development Process

Moon Studios adopted a unique approach to game development, emphasizing remote collaboration over traditional office environments. This allows them to tap into a global talent pool, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and skills.

Step-by-Step Guide to Their Development Process

  1. Conceptualization: The team brainstorms ideas and creates a game design document to outline the vision.
  2. Prototyping: Initial prototypes are built to test gameplay mechanics and iterate on design.
  3. Production: Full-scale development takes place, with regular playtesting to refine the experience.
  4. Launch: The game is released, followed by post-launch support and updates based on player feedback.

Achievements and Milestones

Since its inception, Moon Studios has achieved significant milestones, culminating in the release of their flagship titles.

Notable Releases

  • Ori and the Blind Forest (2015): This title received widespread acclaim for its art style and emotional storytelling.
  • Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020): A sequel that built on the original’s success, praised for its gameplay and visual enhancements.

Awards and Recognition

The studio has been recognized with several awards, including:

  • Best Independent Game at The Game Awards
  • Excellence in Design at the IndieCade Festival

Moon Studios: Pioneers in Indie Game Development

The innovative strategies and philosophies adopted by Moon Studios have made them pioneers in the indie game development space. They have set a standard for other indie developers, demonstrating that a small team can produce high-quality, impactful games that rival major studio productions.

For those interested in learning more, check out our related content: Moon Studios: Pioneers in Indie Game Development.

Conclusion

The story of Moon Studios is one of passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of artistic integrity. As they continue to push the boundaries of game development, their journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring developers and gamers alike. With a strong foundation built by its founders and a vision that prioritizes emotional connection, Moon Studios is poised for further success in the years to come.

 

Articles