DoubleFine
DoubleFine business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Double Fine confirms it owns all its games' IP and publishing rights after Xbox split
Double Fine has confirmed it retains ownership of the intellectual property and publishing rights for all its games following its split from Xbox. CEO Tim Schafer stated that while some games are still processing, buying their titles directly supports the studio. The company also plans to revive its Amnesia Fortnight game jam as a Kickstarter campaign.
The newly independent Psychonauts dev now earns all the revenue when you buy games it made under Xbox: 'Buying any…
Double Fine has become an independent studio again after leaving Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios, regaining full publishing rights and revenue for its past games. CEO Tim Schafer confirmed the transition, noting that sales now directly support the studio as it pitches new projects. The studio is also launching a Kickstarter for its Amnesia Fortnight game jam and teased updates for its game Kiln.
Compulsion Games becomes publisher of South of Midnight on Steam, suggesting departure from Xbox amid major restructuring is now complete
Compulsion Games is now listed as the publisher of South of Midnight on Steam, indicating its complete separation from Xbox following recent restructuring. The studio, which also regained rights to its previous titles Contrast and We Happy Few, is now operating as an independent entity. South of Midnight, released in spring 2025, received praise for its visuals and music integration but was criticized for shallow gameplay.
Doom dev criticises Xbox after studio layoffs: 'Morale has never been lower'
A lead programmer from id Software, Chris Hays, has heavily criticized Microsoft and Xbox following recent layoffs that significantly impacted the studio. Hays described the process as 'inhumane' and stated that morale is at an all-time low, making it impossible to develop AAA games with half the staff. He also criticized Xbox's understanding of the Game Pass business model and its impact on game development.
EA selling BioWare and Mass Effect would be the best news ever - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses concern over Electronic Arts' financial situation and its potential impact on BioWare and the Mass Effect franchise. The author suggests that EA selling BioWare would be beneficial, allowing the studio to regain independence and potentially revive the Mass Effect series, which they believe is unlikely to continue under EA's current management due to financial pressures.
Indie Game Bundle Aiding Laid-Off Developers Is Nearing $200,000 Raised
A Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle on Itch.io, created by Necrosoft Games director Brandon Sheffield and the United Videogame Workers, has raised nearly $200,000 to assist laid-off developers with living expenses. The bundle features 127 games, including titles like Skatebird and A Short Hike, with all proceeds going to affected individuals in the US and Canada. This initiative comes in response to widespread layoffs within the industry, with funds being distributed by the union.
Devs raise $130,000 in just five days to support laid-off peers
A charity bundle organized by Necrosoft Games has raised over $130,000 in five days to support game developers who have been laid off. The bundle, featuring over 100 games, surpassed its initial goal and is now aiming for $200,000. Funds are distributed by the United Videogame Workers union to provide financial assistance to affected workers.
Something for the Weekend – 01/08/26
This week's gaming news includes Sony's cautious approach to physical media, Nvidia's reported graphics card price increase, and Double Fine regaining independence with layoffs. New game announcements include Thimbleweed Park 2 and a Croc 2 remaster, with Crazy Taxi: World Tour and Marathon's PvE mode receiving updates. PlayStation Plus August 2026 Essential games were revealed, and Xbox Network experienced downtime due to a licensing service issue.
Double Fine cuts staff, Xbox's revenue decline, and Leon Kennedy pays off - Patch Notes #63
Double Fine has laid off 23 employees following its transition to independence from Xbox. Meanwhile, Xbox reported a $1.7 billion revenue decline for fiscal year 2026, attributed to decreased content, services, and console sales. The article also touches on the erosion of institutional knowledge due to layoffs and the continued sales success of Capcom's Resident Evil series.
200 million new Xbox players weren't enough to offset falling revenue in its latest fiscal year, CEO says: "We…
Despite attracting over 200 million new players to Xbox and its games in fiscal year 2026, Microsoft's gaming division experienced a decline in revenue. CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged the gap between audience growth and business performance, stating that investments in player value are expected to drive growth by the end of fiscal year 2027. The company also underwent significant restructuring, including layoffs and spinning out several first-party studios.
Xbox hardware revenue fell by $1.7 billion during fiscal 2026
Xbox hardware revenue saw a significant decrease of 7%, approximately $1.7 billion, in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. This decline is attributed to reduced console sales and a 5% drop in Xbox content and services revenue, despite growth in Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft also faces ongoing challenges with component shortages and has implemented mass layoffs across its gaming division.
Xbox reports 10 percent drop in revenue across content and services following mass job cuts and studio offload
Microsoft's Xbox division reported a 10 percent decrease in revenue from content and services during the last financial quarter. This decline follows significant layoffs and the divestment of several development studios. CEO Satya Nadella indicated that necessary decisions are being made to reset the business for long-term growth, with a projected return to growth in fiscal year 2027.
Double Fine Cuts 25% Of Staff After Separating From Microsoft
Double Fine has laid off 25% of its staff, approximately 23 employees, following its separation from Microsoft and regaining independence. Studio head Tim Schafer stated the cuts were necessary to scale the studio to a sustainable size. Microsoft had divested five studios, including Double Fine, earlier this month.
Xbox still not making a profit on console sales despite price rise says report
A report indicates that Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S consoles continue to be sold at a significant loss, even after a recent price increase. Component shortages, particularly for RAM, have driven up costs, with Microsoft reportedly losing around $150 per unit sold. This contrasts with Sony's PlayStation 5, which has been profitable since 2021, and Nintendo's Switch, which traditionally sells hardware at a profit, though it also faces increased costs.
Double Fine making layoffs after being jettisoned by Xbox
Double Fine has laid off 23 employees after regaining its independence from Microsoft's Xbox division. Studio head Tim Schafer stated the decision was made for the survival of the studio and to adjust to its new size as an independent company. This follows Microsoft's significant restructure of its gaming division, which includes eliminating 3,200 roles across various studios.
Double Fine is independent again, but they’ve had to make layoffs
Double Fine has become an independent studio again, branching off from Xbox. This transition involved layoffs affecting 23 team members, which studio head Tim Schafer stated was necessary for the studio's survival and to achieve a sustainable size. An Xbox spokesperson confirmed Double Fine's full divestment, with the studio retaining its IP and catalog.
Double Fine Announces Layoffs As It Goes Independent From Xbox
Double Fine has announced layoffs affecting 23 team members following its separation from Xbox. Studio head Tim Schafer stated the decision was made to ensure the studio's future as an independent entity.
Double Fine lays off about a third of its employees
Double Fine has laid off approximately one-third of its employees. The exact number of affected staff was not disclosed, but the move represents a significant reduction in the studio's workforce.
Xbox Speaks Out After Double Fine Lays Off 25 Percent of Staff in Transition to Independent Status
Double Fine, known for the game Psychonauts, has laid off 25.6% of its staff. This comes three weeks after Xbox revealed its own significant restructuring efforts. The studio is transitioning to an independent status.
After escaping Xbox, Double Fine lays off 23 people as Tim Schafer says "only the survival of our studio would ever make us consider such a painful action"
Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees as it transitions back to an independent studio after years under Xbox ownership. Founder Tim Schafer stated the decision was made for the studio's survival and that they are committed to supporting the affected staff. The layoffs represent roughly a quarter of the studio's workforce.
