DoubleFine
DoubleFine business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
As Xbox swings the axe, Gears of War: E-Day developers fear they'll be laid off straight after launch - and right before they'd be due their bonuses
Developers at The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, are increasingly fearful of imminent layoffs following recent waves of job cuts at Microsoft and Xbox. The departure of the game's story director has heightened anxiety, particularly concerning potential loss of Metacritic bonuses tied to the game's launch.
Thank You Bus Driver Brings Double Fine Chaos on October 14
Double Fine's chaotic black-and-white bus driving game, Thank You Bus Driver, is set to launch on October 14 for PC platforms including Steam, GOG, and itch.io. This marks Double Fine's first release since its split from Xbox, and it will be published under their new Double Fine Action Labs label for "weird, little games."
Microsoft CEO says Xbox is simply 'streamlining' after cutting over 5,750 jobs in three years
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described the company's extensive layoffs, which have affected over 5,750 employees since October 2023, as 'streamlining' under new Xbox boss Asha Sharma. Despite significant studio closures and job cuts, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games and achieve growth.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox's 'streamlining' process is 'great to see' following its most recent…
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella commented on the recent Xbox layoffs and studio restructuring, describing the process as "great to see" and comparing it to streamlining a Formula 1 car. Despite significant job cuts and studio closures, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to grow as a publisher and platform provider across PC and Xbox consoles.
Post-Xbox, Double Fine boss Tim Schafer is baffled by the terrible state of the game industry: "People are making money, so I don't know why there's a big loss of jobs"
Double Fine founder Tim Schafer expressed confusion regarding the current state of the game industry, particularly the widespread layoffs despite reported profitability. He questions the economics driving these job losses and hopes for a cyclical recovery, while acknowledging the creativity in the indie space.
Wardogs boss says "games need to cost more" and GTA 6 should've been the game to make the change
Wardogs lead Joe Brammer argues that video games are priced too low, citing the high cost of development and suggesting Grand Theft Auto 6 missed an opportunity to set a new $80 price standard. He believes the industry's economic struggles stem from games being too cheap, a sentiment echoed by Double Fine founder Tim Schafer who expressed confusion over game development economics. While some companies like Nintendo and Rockstar have experimented with higher prices, Brammer insists that developers need to be more vocal about increasing game costs.
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
Undead Labs makes 'significant' layoffs after splitting from Xbox
Undead Labs, the studio behind the State of Decay franchise, has become an independent, employee-owned company after divesting from Xbox. This separation has resulted in significant layoffs, impacting employees who worked on State of Decay 3. The studio plans to work with a new publisher for the game's release, which will still launch day one on Xbox Game Pass.
State of Decay 3 studio Undead Labs lay off "a significant number" of "exceptionally talented developers" after gaining independence from Xbox
Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay 3, has laid off a significant number of employees shortly after becoming independent from Xbox. This move follows a trend of layoffs across the industry and within Microsoft-owned studios, impacting other developers like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Arkane Studios.
Xbox lays off more jobs and consolidates its studios in massive restructure
Xbox announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and significantly restructuring its studios. Key developers like Bethesda and Activision will expand their remits, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. A dedicated team within Activision will now develop the next Halo game, and the futures of Ninja Theory and Arkane Studios remain uncertain.
State Of Decay 3 Lives On, And Is Still Coming To Game Pass
Microsoft has confirmed that Undead Labs, the developer of State of Decay 3, has reached an agreement with a new publisher, ensuring the game's continued development. The title will still launch day-one on Xbox Game Pass when it is ready. This news follows a period of studio reshuffles within Microsoft Game Studios, with several other studios also finding new publishing arrangements.
Xbox lay off 268 people as Activision take over Halo and Rare, while Obsidian become part of Bethesda, plus Forza and Fable studios merge
Xbox has announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and restructuring several studios. Activision is taking over the Halo franchise, while Rare and World's Edge are folded under its umbrella. Obsidian Entertainment is now part of Bethesda, and Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios have merged. Ninja Theory is facing potential closure, and the future of Arkane Studios remains uncertain.
Activision prepares to "make the greatest Halo game ever" as it takes control of the franchise from Halo…
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring of its first-party studios, transferring stewardship of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision Blizzard. Rare and World's Edge will also operate under Activision Blizzard, impacting franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires. This move involves substantial layoffs and a new team being assembled to develop the next Halo game, with a stated goal to "make the greatest Halo game ever."
Continuing Our Reset
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, eliminating 268 roles across its first-party studios and management. The company is also reorganizing its studios, with Activision taking on new responsibilities and developing the next Halo title, while Bethesda will now oversee Obsidian. Several studios are being divested, though plans for Ninja Theory and Arkane are still being determined.
Xbox reportedly set to lay off hundreds more staff and "consolidate" several game studios in second round of major cuts this year
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly preparing for a second wave of significant layoffs, with hundreds of employees expected to be affected. The company is also rumored to be consolidating several of its game studios, including those under Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard. This follows earlier cuts in July and a shift in focus towards established franchises.
'No-one puts Double Fine out of business except me', says Tim Schafer on taking Double Fine independent:…
Double Fine has become an independent studio again after parting ways with Microsoft, a move initiated by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's significant layoffs. Studio head Tim Schafer expressed that while the games industry has harsh realities, he is determined to keep Double Fine afloat and sees the transition as a creative awakening, despite having to lay off 23 employees himself.
Snabbkollen: Köper du nya Ocarina of Time?
Nintendo has announced a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, set to release on November 7th for the Nintendo Switch. The article also features reviews for "The Blood of Dawnwalker," "Star Wars Zero Company," and "Mortal Shell 2," alongside news about "Valheim," "Orbitals," and "Justin Wack and the Big Time Hack."
Hit New PS5 Adventure Game Already Discounted on PlayStation Store
The newly released PlayStation 5 adventure game Keeper, developed by Double Fine, is already available at a discounted price on the PlayStation Store. PS Plus members can purchase it for $15.99 until September 17, down from its $19.99 retail price.
Double Fine's first game since leaving Xbox is a comedy bus-driving sim called Thank You Bus Driver
Double Fine has announced its first game since becoming independent from Xbox: Thank You Bus Driver, a comedy simulation game where players act as a reckless bus driver. The game is available for pre-order on Steam and GOG. This announcement follows Xbox's restructuring, which saw Double Fine and Compulsion Games regain independence, though Double Fine also underwent layoffs.
'No One Puts Double Fine Out of Business Except for Me' — Tim Schafer Explains How He Kept Double Fine Afloat After Leaving Xbox
Tim Schafer, founder of Double Fine, discussed how he managed to keep the studio afloat after Xbox divested it during a recent restructuring. Schafer expressed a strong sentiment about his efforts to prevent the studio's closure.