Ori Studio Leader Draws Inspiration from Final Fantasy Tactics to Enhance No Rest for the Wicked’s Progression, Critiques Lack of Attention to the JRPG by Other Developers

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Thomas Mahler, the CEO of Moon Studios and lead on Ori and the Blind Forest, is taking inspiration from Final Fantasy Tactics for the new job system in the ARPG No Rest for the Wicked, which is currently in early access.

The lead developer shared on social media that the team has received the “internal green light” to develop a completely new class system, moving away from the previous attribute-based progression. Mahler points out that action RPGs have typically followed one of two paths: rigid class systems where roles are chosen upfront (like Diablo) or attribute systems where players gradually allocate stats (like Dark Souls).

“We believe neither method is ideal, which is why we’re crafting something unique,” Mahler explains. “With the upcoming Jobs System in Wicked, your character’s class evolves based on your playstyle. If you focus on melee combat, you’ll become a skilled swordsman. If you switch to magic, you’ll progress as a mage. Each class comes with its own weapons, traits, and runes, and mastering a class is essential to unlock its full potential. Once you’ve mastered a class, its skills can be utilized across other classes. Your class isn’t selected from a menu; it’s earned through gameplay.”

Mahler acknowledges that the system draws clear inspiration from Final Fantasy Tactics and believes it could reshape how players and developers approach ARPG progression moving forward. “I genuinely think [Final Fantasy Tactics director] Yasumi Matsuno discovered the right approach 30 years ago, and many Western developers have overlooked it.”

He also admits that implementing such a significant change late in development (the game has been in early access for nearly two years) is “daunting,” but he believes it’s a necessary step toward improvement.

No Rest for the Wicked is currently available at a 40% discount on Steam. This sale is described as a “one-time” offer, with plans to increase the price from $40 to $60 when the game officially launches.

The director of Baldur’s Gate 3 shares the sentiment with Mahler, stating that Early Access can be beneficial for games like theirs—when it’s executed effectively.