Keeper
News, coverage and analysis tracking Keeper across the outlets.
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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.
Double Fine Productions suffers layoffs weeks after going independent
Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees, nearly 25% of its workforce, just weeks after becoming an independent studio following its separation from Xbox. The studio stated the layoffs were necessary for its survival and to adjust to its new size as an independent entity. This follows Xbox's broader restructuring efforts which have also impacted other studios.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 17: PlayStation Summer Sale & Xbox Ultimate Game Sale
This weekend offers significant discounts on PlayStation and Xbox digital libraries, with sales like the PlayStation Summer Sale and Xbox Ultimate Game Sale. Notable deals include discounts on Elden Ring Nightreign, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and various first-party and third-party titles across both platforms. Nintendo also has a sale on the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection.
Xbox retreats again – but to where? | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees across various studios as part of a company 'reset' to focus on profitable franchises. This move raises questions about the future of Xbox's first-party strategy, its Game Pass subscription service, and the upcoming console generation, particularly given the high cost of components and the blurring lines between PC and console gaming.
Independent again: Double Fine and Compulsion react to leaving Xbox and taking all their games with them
Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games are returning to independent development after being let go by Microsoft as part of Xbox restructuring. Both studios will retain ownership of their games, including Psychonauts 2, Keeper, and South of Midnight. This move follows a period of significant layoffs and strategic shifts within Xbox.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 26: Steam Summer Sale and friends
Multiple PC gaming storefronts, including Steam, GOG.com, and Epic Games Store, are hosting major summer sales with thousands of deals. Notable discounts are available on titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. Some platforms also offer free titles or additional discounts for subscribers.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 12: Steam Bullet Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include a Steam Bullet Fest celebrating bullet hell and shooter games, alongside sales from various publishers and developers like Capcom, Klei, and Ubisoft. Notable titles on sale include Vampire Survivors, Returnal, and Destiny 2, with free games and bundles also available across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Amazon Luna.
Double Fine Productions and its new pottery-inspired game Kiln don’t just break the mold – they smash it to pieces
Double Fine Productions is developing Kiln, a unique party brawler inspired by pottery where players create and then destroy ceramic vessels as fighters. Founded by Tim Schafer, the studio emphasizes a kind and experimental culture, with Kiln originating from an internal game jam. The game will launch on April 23, 2026, for multiple platforms including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass.
The Best Xbox Game Pass Games In 2026
This guide highlights the best games available on Xbox Game Pass in 2026, covering a wide range of genres from roguelites to open-world adventures. It details different subscription tiers and provides brief descriptions of each recommended title, including recent additions and critically acclaimed games from previous years.
Psychonauts and Keeper developer's Game Pass party game Kiln gets a release date, and it's coming really very soon
Double Fine has announced that its new multiplayer party brawler, Kiln, will be released on April 23rd for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam, and will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The game features a unique pottery-themed twist where players sculpt their characters on a pottery wheel to use in online arenas.
Have Gamers Become Too Comfortable With Sequels and Remakes?
The article discusses the increasing prevalence of sequels and remakes in the gaming industry, questioning if gamers have become too comfortable with familiar titles. While acknowledging that some sequels and remakes push innovation, the author notes a decline in the number of new intellectual properties being developed and risks taken by major publishers due to rising development costs and the desire for guaranteed audiences.
Expedition 33 Wins Yet Another GOTY--See All The Winners From The 2026 Game Dev Awards
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was the big winner at the 2026 Game Developers Choice Awards, taking home Game of the Year, Best Visual Art, Best Narrative, Best Audio, and Best Debut. Blue Prince also received multiple awards, including Best Design and Innovation. Don Daglow was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Rebecca Ann Heineman received the Ambassador Award posthumously.
2026 Game Developers Choice Awards winners announced
The winners for the 2026 Game Developers Choice Awards have been announced. Several titles were recognized across various categories, including Best Audio, Best Debut, Best Design, Innovation Award, Best Narrative, Best Technology, Best Visual Art, Social Impact, and Audience Award. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Blue Prince were among the most nominated games.
Phil Spencer Was Good for Xbox, but His Legacy Is Complicated - IGN
Phil Spencer is retiring after 38 years with Microsoft, concluding a 12-year tenure as Head of Xbox. His legacy is viewed as complicated, with shareholders seeing massive stock growth while some hardcore gamers point to increased subscription prices, fewer exclusives, and studio closures. Despite these criticisms, the article argues Spencer was a net positive, crediting him with saving Xbox during the Xbox One era, championing features like backwards compatibility and cross-play, and building a strong portfolio of studios and games.
Fall Into Gaming With 20+ Titles Joining GeForce NOW in November
NVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service is adding over 20 games in November, including the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage. The service is also expanding its RTX 5080-class hardware to new regions like Phoenix and Amsterdam.
