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It’s only been a few months since developer Double Fine’s split from Microsoft, but the team behind Psychonauts 2, Kiln, and Keeper is looking ahead. With another successful Kickstarter campaign under its belt, the newly independent studio’s second (or should that be third?) life as an indie is off to an optimistic start. With the current Kickstarter focusing on the developer’s latest Amenesia Fortnight — a developer-run game jam where new micro games are produced — it’s allowing the developers to build up some much-needed runway as they plan for their next major project.
At PAX West 2026, we spoke with Double Fine studio head and president, Tim Schafer, about the developer’s current path forward. Along with talking about his return to independence following the biggest restructure in Xbox history, Schafer reflected on Double Fine’s years under Microsoft’s banner, and explained how Game Pass can still potentially work as a subscription service. He also reaffirmed his commitment to making Brutal Legend 2 (provided someone can front the money for it).
IGN: It’s been seven years since the Microsoft acquisition, and the game industry has gone through so much change. What’s it been like to return to being an independent developer?
Tim
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