Tag

Tim Schafer

All articles tagged with #tim schafer

technology11 days ago•39 min saved

Double Fine Union Effort Collapses After Internal Backlash and Microsoft Layoffs

A union drive at Double Fine Productions failed after two weeks of intense internal conflict and a petition withdrawal. Organizers cited pressure from colleagues and a hostile atmosphere, leading to the resignation of the organizing committee. Shortly after, Microsoft spun off the studio, resulting in 23 layoffs, including all eight union organizers. The collapse highlights tensions between progressive studio culture and labor organizing in the games industry.

via Kotaku|

#double-fine #game-industry #labor-unions

gaming26 days ago•3 min saved

Tim Schafer Blames Greed for Prolonged Industry Layoffs After Double Fine Exits Xbox

Tim Schafer, founder of Double Fine Productions, has officially separated his studio from Xbox, citing a strategic misalignment as Microsoft shifts toward fewer, larger intellectual properties. In a recent interview with the BBC, Schafer expressed confusion over the prolonged economic downturn in the games industry, noting that while consumer spending and revenue remain high, job losses have persisted for four years. He attributed this paradox to corporate greed, suggesting that executives are prioritizing profit margins over workforce stability. Despite the split, Schafer praised Xbox for its previous support of Double Fine’s creative autonomy and remains optimistic about the future of Game Pass and independent game development.

via Eurogamer.net|

#double-fine #game-industry #gaming

gaming-industry1 month ago•10 min saved

Schafer Defends Double Fine’s Niche Strategy Amid Xbox Restructuring

Tim Schafer rejects claims that Double Fine intentionally produced unprofitable games, arguing that titles like Keeper and Kiln were designed to attract non-gamers to the Game Pass subscription model. While acknowledging commercial underperformance, Schafer maintains that the studio’s creative freedom was an unspoken agreement with former Xbox leadership, a strategy that became unsustainable after Phil Spencer’s departure and the subsequent corporate restructuring.

via Kotaku|

#double-fine #game-pass #gaming-industry

gaming-industry1 month ago•11 min saved

Double Fine Founder Frames Xbox Exit as 'Creative Awakening' Amid Financial Struggles

Tim Schafer describes Double Fine’s separation from Xbox as a 'creative awakening' rather than a defeat, despite recent layoffs and commercial struggles. The studio is now independent, relying on a $400,000 Kickstarter and regained IP rights to sustain operations. Schafer attributes the split to a shift in Microsoft’s strategy under new leadership, noting that only a massive hit like 'Minecraft' would have saved the previous arrangement.

via Kotaku|

#double-fine #game-pass #gaming-industry

gaming1 month ago•31 min saved

Double Fine Sets $100M Kickstarter Stretch Goal for Brütal Legend 2 Amid Post-Xbox Independence

Double Fine has launched a Kickstarter campaign with a $400,000 base goal and a $100 million stretch goal to fund a sequel to Brütal Legend. The studio, recently independent from Xbox, is using the campaign to support a game jam called Amnesia Fortnight, where backers vote on which prototypes to develop. While the $100M target is likely symbolic, it highlights the studio's struggle to secure funding for larger projects in a risk-averse industry.

via Insider Gaming|

#amnesia-fortnight #brutal-legend-2 #double-fine

gaming-industry1 month ago•2 min saved

Double Fine Reclaims IP and Launches Crowdfunded Game Jam to Stabilize Post-Layoffs

Double Fine Productions has fully regained ownership of its intellectual property and publishing rights from Microsoft, including titles like Psychonauts and Kiln. CEO Tim Schafer confirmed that sales of these games now directly support the studio. To secure financial stability after recent layoffs, Double Fine is launching a live, Kickstarter-backed game jam called Amnesia Fortnight 2026, allowing backers to vote on which prototypes become full games.

via TrueAchievements|

#amnesia-fortnight #double-fine-productions #gaming-industry

gaming1 month ago•2 min saved

Double Fine Reclaims IP and Launches Crowdfunded Game Jam to Stabilize Post-Xbox

Double Fine Productions has fully regained intellectual property and publishing rights for its Xbox-era titles, including Psychonauts 2 and Kiln, following its separation from Microsoft. To fund its transition to independence, the studio is launching a Kickstarter-backed live game jam called Amnesia Fortnight on August 31, 2026, where backers will vote on which prototypes become full games. The move follows recent layoffs and aims to provide financial stability while the studio develops new projects.

via GamesIndustry.biz|

#amnesia-fortnight #double-fine-productions #gaming

gaming-industry1 month ago•11 min saved

Double Fine Revives Amnesia Fortnight as Crowdfunded Game Jam to Fund Post-Xbox Future

Double Fine Productions is launching 'Amnesia Fortnight 2026,' a live game jam and Kickstarter campaign starting August 31, 2026. Backers will vote on which of four prototypes become a released game. The event, filmed by 2 Player Productions, aims to secure financial runway and creative direction for the studio following its separation from Xbox and recent layoffs.

via Kotaku|

#double-fine #game-jam #gaming-industry

gaming1 month ago•6 min saved

Double Fine Launches Crowdsourced Game Jam to Fund Post-Xbox Independence

Double Fine Productions is reviving its 'Amnesia Fortnight' game jam as a livestreamed event to select its next project. Backers will vote on prototypes via a Kickstarter campaign, aiming to secure financial stability after the studio's recent separation from Microsoft.

via Game Informer|

#amnesia-fortnight #double-fine-productions #gaming

gaming1 month ago•2 min saved

Double Fine Reclaims Full Control of Its Back Catalogue and Launches Crowdfunded Game Jam

Double Fine Productions has confirmed it has reacquired the intellectual property and publishing rights for all games developed during its seven-year tenure under Microsoft. CEO Tim Schafer stated that while some titles still display Microsoft branding during the transition, sales revenue now directly supports the studio. To fund future development, the studio is reviving its 'Amnesia Fortnight' game jam as a Kickstarter campaign, allowing backers to vote on which prototype becomes its next full project.

via Eurogamer|

#double-fine #gaming #kiln

video-games1 month ago•2 min saved

Double Fine Reclaims IP Rights but Abandons Union Push After Microsoft Split

Double Fine Productions has officially regained ownership of its intellectual property and publishing rights from Microsoft, allowing the studio to operate independently. However, the transition has been marked by significant staff reductions and the withdrawal of a labor union petition. Founder Tim Schafer is now focusing on financial stability through a Kickstarter-backed game jam and direct sales support, while the future of worker representation remains uncertain.

via Aftermath|

#double-fine #labor #microsoft

gaming2 months ago•11 min saved

Double Fine Reclaims Full Ownership of Psychonauts, Kiln, and Keeper

Double Fine Productions has officially regained all intellectual property and publishing rights for its games developed under Microsoft, including Psychonauts 2, Kiln, and Keeper. CEO Tim Schafer confirmed that sales of these titles now directly support the studio, which is currently working on a major update for Kiln and reviving its internal game jam as a live event with a Kickstarter component to secure financial stability.

via Kotaku|

#double-fine #gaming #kiln

business2 months ago•4 min saved

Double Fine lays off 23 as it goes independent after leaving Xbox

Double Fine, after exiting Xbox and returning to independence, laid off 23 employees (from about 90 pre-cut) to secure short-term viability as it charts a post-Xbox path; studio head Tim Schafer described the move as painful but necessary while Xbox noted the transition to independent management.

via Eurogamer.net|

#business #double-fine #independent-studio

gaming3 years ago•2 min saved

"Grim Fandango: A 25-Year Anniversary Celebration of a Cult Classic"

25 years ago, Lucasarts released Grim Fandango, an ambitious adventure game that was ahead of its time. Despite receiving rave reviews, the game was overshadowed by other popular titles of the time and considered a commercial flop. However, Grim Fandango is now widely regarded as one of the best and most influential games ever made. Directed by Tim Schafer, the game follows the story of Manny Calavera, a skeleton travel agent navigating the Land of the Dead. The game's remastered version is now available on multiple platforms, allowing players to experience this underlooked classic.

via Inverse|

#adventure-game #gaming #grim-fandango

gaming3 years ago•1 min saved

Double Fine's Tim Schafer Denies Development of Psychonauts 3

Tim Schafer, the creator of the Psychonauts franchise and founder of Double Fine Productions, has stated that Psychonauts 3 is not currently being worked on. Despite speculation and a potential tease during the Xbox Games Showcase, Schafer clarified that he is not involved in the development of a sequel at this time. Double Fine is currently in a closed doors phase and has not revealed what they are working on.

via IGN|

#double-fine-productions #gaming #psychonauts