Double Fine Productions is officially independent from Microsoft

As part of Microsoft’s most recent string of lay-offs, the Xbox maker announced that it would be parting ways with a number of studios – some of which would reacquire their independence. Following Compulsion Games’ announcement from last week, Double Fine Productions have now confirmed that they are officially independent once again.

As part of a recent episode of the Kinda Funny Games Daily show, Double Fine CEO Tim Schafer confirmed that the studio had finalised its independence from Microsoft, with all of the IPs once again under its control, stating:

“We have the publishing rights back to our games. It still says ‘Microsoft’ on some of them, but it just takes a while for it all to process. When people buy our games, it supports the studio. So if you’re curious, buying any of our games helps support the studio, and we can turn that money into revenue that helps us extend that runway.”

Double Fine already appears to be back to work, with Schafer confirming that their multiplayer party game KILN will be receiving a free update soon alongside a permanent price cut. In addition, Schafer and co. announced that they have gone live with a new Kickstarter.

Called Amnesia Fortnight 2026, this Game Jam will allow backers to contribute towards the development of 4 game prototypes – one of which will be turned into a finalised project. As expected from the studio, a documentary will also be in the works cataloguing the whole experience.

While being part of a major company like Microsoft could have afforded Double Fine the time and money to work on creative projects, it appears as though they operate best when they are independent. Hopefully this new Kickstarter proves to be a success.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Double Fine’s return? Will you support Amnesia Fortnight 2026? Is this a welcome return to form for the studio? Let us know down below.

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