‘No One Puts Double Fine Out of Business Except for Me’ — Tim Schafer Explains How He Kept Double Fine Afloat After Leaving Xbox
Double Fine Productions has survived Xbox’s summer restructuring after being divested from the company, with founder Tim Schafer explaining how he fought to keep the studio afloat. In an interview with Bloomberg, Schafer revealed he had advance notice of the divestment but remained determined to preserve the studio rather than accept closure.
“No one puts Double Fine out of business except for me,” Schafer stated, emphasizing his resolve during the crisis. While some employees chose to leave amid the upheaval, others experienced what Schafer characterized as a “creative awakening,” galvanizing remaining staff around the studio’s independence.
The divestment was part of Xbox’s broader cost-cutting measures announced in summer 2026, which resulted in significant studio closures and layoffs across the gaming industry. Double Fine’s survival represents a rare bright spot for a developer caught in the restructuring, as many other studios faced closure under similar circumstances. Schafer’s strong response and the team’s determination to continue operating independently underscore the studio’s resilience during a tumultuous period for the gaming industry.