Psychonauts
News, coverage and analysis tracking Psychonauts across the outlets.
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Another Xbocalypse begins: Microsoft are reportedly closing or spinning off Double Fine, Ninja Theory and Compulsion
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closing or spinning off studios Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games as part of a broader business restructuring. This follows recent layoffs, game cancellations, and studio closures across Xbox. The affected studios are known for critically acclaimed but not commercially massive titles like Psychonauts, Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, and South of Midnight.
Microsoft reportedly negotiating closures of multiple Xbox studios, including Psychonauts' Double Fine, South of Midnight's Compulsion and Hellblade's Ninja Theory
Microsoft is reportedly negotiating the potential closure of several Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory. These studios are in talks to buy back their independence to avoid being shut down. This news follows recent reports of budget cuts and layoffs under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
Multiple Xbox Studios Reportedly In Active Negotiations With Microsoft To Avoid Closure
Multiple Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Double Fine, are reportedly in active negotiations with Microsoft to avoid closure. Some studios may be given the opportunity to go independent or find a new buyer. Employees at Ninja Theory have been informed of potential closure, and Arkane Studios is also reportedly concerned about its future.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and more Xbox studios reportedly at risk of closure
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closure for several studios, including Double Fine and Ninja Theory, as part of a "reset" under new CEO Asha Sharma. While some studios like Double Fine are in negotiations to spin off, job losses are expected. This comes after a period of significant studio acquisitions by Microsoft, including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory reportedly among multiple Xbox studios rushing to negotiate an exit as Microsoft plans more…
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning further studio closures and restructuring, with Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games in negotiations to spin off independently. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty have indicated the current business model is unsustainable, leading to expected layoffs and studio cuts, following the recent closure of Tango Gameworks.
Ninja Theory and Double Fine Also Reportedly Under Threat of Closure as Xbox Studios Fight for Survival
Ninja Theory and Double Fine are reportedly facing potential closure as Microsoft's Xbox division undergoes significant cuts. These studios, known for Hellblade and Psychonauts respectively, are among those fighting to survive amidst the ongoing restructuring.
Several Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become Independent
Several Xbox first-party studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to spin off as independent entities. This news follows comments from CEO Satya Nadella about Xbox needing to become a sustainable business. Compulsion Games' title 'South of Midnight' was recently released on PlayStation 5.
Three Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become Independent
Reports indicate that three Xbox first-party developers, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to become independent studios. This news follows recent speculation about potential studio closures within Xbox Game Studios, with CEO Satya Nadella emphasizing the need for Xbox to become a sustainable business.
Wizards of the Coast writes to staff to explain "how union representation works" as studio prepares to vote to unionize
Wizards of the Coast has communicated with staff about the implications of union representation as employees prepare to vote on unionizing with the Communication Workers of America. The company stated that all current benefits and perks would be subject to negotiation, potentially resulting in changes to existing terms. The vote is scheduled with the National Labor Relations Board for June 2.
Kiln Review – Double Fine’s Latest Has Charm but Limited Depth
Kiln, Double Fine's latest offering, features a charming art style and satisfying pottery-making mechanics, but its multiplayer-focused gameplay loop lacks depth and variety. The team-based "Quench" mode, while occasionally thrilling, becomes repetitive due to a limited number of stages and content, ultimately holding the game back despite its creative premise.
Psychonauts developer Double Fine will unionise with CWA
Double Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, is unionizing with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) alongside other Microsoft game studios. The CWA confirmed that Double Fine workers are forming a union to preserve commitments to creative excellence, diversity, inclusion, and worker quality of life. Microsoft has adopted a neutral stance regarding the unionization efforts.
Double Fine petitions to unionize
Double Fine Productions, a Microsoft-owned studio, has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the Communication Workers of America. Approximately 42 employees are included in the union effort, which aims to preserve the studio's commitments to creative excellence and worker quality of life. Microsoft has stated a neutral approach to the organizing efforts.
Double Fine Productions is the latest Microsoft subsidiary to unionise
Double Fine Productions, the developer of Psychonauts, has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the support of the Communications Workers of America. This move follows a trend of unionization among Microsoft subsidiaries, with the company agreeing to a neutral approach. The proposed union includes 42 employees who aim to preserve the studio's commitments to creative excellence and worker quality of life.
Kiln Review - For the love of pottery
Kiln is a 4v4 party brawler from Double Fine Productions where players sculpt their characters using a pottery wheel, impacting their abilities in battle. The game features deep customization options, strategic combat mechanics, and a social hub. While offering a fun and unique experience, the review questions its long-term player retention due to a potential lack of content variety.
Psychonauts, Kiln studio Double Fine votes to unionise
Double Fine Productions, a Microsoft-owned studio known for Psychonauts, has voted to unionize with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This follows similar unionization efforts at other Microsoft-owned studios like id Software. Separately, Slay the Spire 2 developer Mega Crit is adjusting its patch release schedule and has removed the Doormaker boss in favor of a new one called Aeonglass.
Double Fine is the latest team at Microsoft to unionize
Double Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, has filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board, with all 42 employees participating. The studio is organizing with the Communications Workers of America, a union that has previously supported labor efforts at other Microsoft-owned studios like Activision and ZeniMax.
Psychonauts Developer Double Fine Is Forming a Union
Double Fine Productions, the developer behind Psychonauts and Kiln, is in the process of forming a union. This move makes Double Fine the latest studio under Microsoft to establish a union.
Business and Finance
Double Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, has formed a union, becoming the latest Microsoft-owned studio to do so. This move signifies a growing trend of labor organization within the gaming industry.
Psychonauts developer Double Fine are the latest Microsoft-owned studio to unionise
Double Fine Productions, the Microsoft-owned studio behind Psychonauts, has announced its decision to unionize with the Communications Workers of America. The union will include all 42 employees at the studio. This move follows similar unionization efforts by other developers owned by Microsoft, amidst recent layoffs within the company.
Double Fine is unionising at Xbox Game Studios
Double Fine, the developer of Psychonauts, has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the Communications Workers of America. This move involves 42 employees and follows similar unionization efforts within Microsoft's gaming divisions, including Activision Blizzard and Zenimax. While Microsoft has historically taken a neutral stance on unionization, the company has faced delays in collective bargaining with previously formed unions.
