Double Fine Breaks Free from Xbox After 7-Year Partnership

Double Fine, an independent game development studio, has parted ways with Xbox after seven years of collaboration. The breakup follows criticism from some fans who felt that the studio wasted its time under Microsoft's guidance.

The satirical video accompanying Double Fine's recent Kickstarter campaign for Amnesia Fortnight sparked debate about what happened during their time together. However, a new interview with Bloomberg sheds more light on the situation.

According to Tim Schafer, the founder of Double Fine, the studio was in a difficult financial position while working on Psychonauts 2. After its previous publisher became embroiled in a criminal investigation involving insider trading, Microsoft stepped in and acquired Double Fine in 2019.

The acquisition allowed Double Fine to continue making games it wanted, without being forced to follow a specific commercial path. This approach was part of Xbox's broader strategy at the time, allowing certain studios to operate with independence.