“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 acclaimed developer Double Fine Productions, has commented on his studio’s separation from Microsoft’s Xbox division, discussing the shift in the company’s strategic priorities and broader challenges facing the games industry.
According to Schafer in a BBC interview, Double Fine’s relationship with Xbox was built around supporting Game Pass. “Our mission in the beginning - seven years ago - was to really support Game Pass and fill it with as much goodness as we could,” Schafer explained. The studio contributed approximately 13 games to the subscription service, including both previously released titles and new projects.
The departure reflects changes in Xbox’s direction that ultimately led Microsoft to part ways with the San Francisco-based developer. Schafer, known for legendary titles including Day of the Tentacle and Psychonauts, has also taken the opportunity to comment on wider industry problems. When asked about the circumstances surrounding the split, Schafer suggested financial pressures may be at play: “I assume someone is being greedy somewhere.”
The move marks a significant shift for Double Fine, which will now operate independently rather than as part of Microsoft’s portfolio. The separation comes amid broader consolidation and restructuring across the games industry, with major publishers reassessing their strategies and investment priorities.