Tim Schafer
Reporting and statements that mention Tim Schafer.
Latest coverage
Report: Double Fine's union drive collapsed due to miscommunication and culture clash
A report details the collapse of Double Fine Productions' union drive in May 2026, attributing the failure to miscommunication and a clash between the studio's informal culture and US federal labor laws. The drive, reportedly the second at the company, was hampered by confusion over manager eligibility and internal conflicts, leading to its withdrawal.
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."
Double Fine's first game since being dumped by Xbox will be out in just 2 weeks
Double Fine Productions is releasing its new game, Thank You Bus Driver, in two weeks, marking its first title since being dropped by Xbox. This experimental driving simulator, described as 'Crazy Taxi meets Papers, Please!', will be available on PC via Steam, GOG, and Itch.io on October 14.
Double Fine's releasing its next game, Thank You Bus Driver, just months after splitting from Xbox
Double Fine Productions is releasing its new game, Thank You Bus Driver, on October 14 for PC storefronts like Steam, GOG, and Itch.io. This marks the studio's first release since regaining independence from Xbox earlier this summer, following Xbox's corporate restructuring and Double Fine's own workforce reduction.
Xbox is in the midst of a "reverse acquisition," analyst says, with Activision "best equipped to run the…
An industry analyst describes Microsoft's recent restructuring of Xbox Game Studios as a 'reverse acquisition,' suggesting that Activision Blizzard, acquired for $69 billion, is now better equipped to manage Microsoft's own studios. This shift involves significant layoffs and the merging of several studios, including placing the Halo franchise under Activision Blizzard's purview.
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.
"I assume someone is being greedy somewhere" - Tim Schafer discusses current game industry woes following Double Fine's split with Xbox
Tim Schafer, founder of Double Fine Productions, discussed the studio's recent split with Xbox and his views on the current state of the game industry. He expressed support for Game Pass but questioned the economics leading to widespread layoffs, suggesting greed is a factor. Schafer praised Xbox's past support for Double Fine but noted their differing strategies.
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.
Shinji Mikami to be inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame later this week
Shinji Mikami, the acclaimed creator of Resident Evil, will be inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. Over his 30-year career, Mikami has also contributed to titles like Devil May Cry and The Evil Within, and currently leads Unbound Inc. The induction ceremony will take place during the 30th anniversary of the D.I.C.E. Awards.
'I Really Want Game Pass to Work' — After Navigating the Xbox 'Reset,' Double Fine Boss Tim Schafer Is Indie Once Again
Following a period of restructuring at Xbox, Tim Schafer, head of Double Fine Productions, discusses his return to an independent development path. In an interview with IGN, Schafer shared his thoughts on the future of the studio.
'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.
Tim Schafer says Double Fine's unique games can be commercial hits if they can find their audience
Tim Schafer, head of Double Fine Productions, believes the studio's unique games have mass market appeal and can be commercial hits if they find the right audience. Despite recent titles like Keeper and Kiln not being profitable, Schafer argues against the 'arthouse' label and emphasizes the importance of creative freedom for the team's survival and motivation.
Tim Schafer: "No one puts Double Fine out of business except me"
Tim Schafer, head of Double Fine Productions, discussed the studio's efforts to regain independence from Microsoft following significant layoffs. He stated that the studio's mission changed after new leadership took over at Xbox, leading to the decision to part ways. Schafer emphasized the importance of creative problem-solving and keeping the team alive amidst industry challenges.
Double Fine's first game post-Xbox split is a goofy bus driving sim all about slapping passengers who don't follow the rules and doing a good job
Double Fine Productions, now independent after splitting from Xbox, has announced its first post-Xbox game, Thank You Bus Driver. This silly job simulator tasks players with driving passengers while enforcing rules, including slapping rule-breakers, all within a time limit. The studio also announced a game jam Kickstarter with Brutal Legend 2 as a high-tier stretch goal.
'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.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is "not going to shoot my dog," says now-independent Double Fine boss Tim Schafer, who initially opposed Microsoft ownership because "you guys love closing studios"
Double Fine has regained its independence from Microsoft, with founder Tim Schafer expressing relief that new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is not planning to close studios. Schafer initially opposed the acquisition due to Microsoft's history of studio closures, but found the experience under Phil Spencer and Matt Booty to be largely positive until recent leadership changes. The studio announced its new game, Thank You Bus Driver, shortly after regaining independence, though it also had to lay off 23 employees.
Keeper PS5 Trophy Listing Indicates Impending Release – Rumor
A PlayStation Trophy listing for the adventure game Keeper suggests an impending release on PlayStation 5, following its original launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S. The article also touches on Double Fine Productions' recent independence from Microsoft, the studio's subsequent layoffs, and the positive reception of Keeper despite its niche appeal.
Double Fine's famous game jam returns with 26 new ideas and a promise to make Brutal Legend 2, if its Kickstarter…
Double Fine's Amnesia Fortnight game jam has returned, launching a Kickstarter campaign that has already surpassed its $400,000 goal. The event allows developers to pitch and prototype new game ideas over two weeks, with the top four finalists being built into playable demos for public voting. A stretch goal of $100 million could potentially fund Brutal Legend 2.
I Am Begging One Cool Billionaire To Take Up Double Fine’s Offer To Fund Brutal Legend 2
Double Fine is seeking $100 million in pledges to fund Brutal Legend 2 through a Kickstarter campaign, following its split from Microsoft. The studio is also running a two-week game jam called Amnesia Fortnight to prototype other game ideas, with some chosen by supporters for further development. The article notes that Double Fine recently underwent layoffs affecting 23 employees.
Brütal Legend is available free in honor of Tim Curry
Double Fine is offering Brütal Legend for free for a limited time to honor the late actor Tim Curry, who voiced the villain Doviculus. Curry also had roles in Gabriel Knight, Red Alert 3, and Dragon Age: Origins. This follows a similar free giveaway in tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
