Double Fine’s releasing its next game, Thank You Bus Driver, just months after splitting from Xbox
Double Fine Productions has wasted no time establishing itself as an independent studio again following its split from Xbox earlier this summer. The acclaimed developer is releasing its debut post-Xbox title, Thank You Bus Driver, on October 14, 2026—less than three months after the separation.
Thank You Bus Driver is a chaotic black-and-white bus driving simulation where players assume the role of a town’s bus driver navigating their daily route. The game distills the bus driver experience into three core priorities: reaching the next stop by any means necessary, maintaining schedule adherence to keep riders satisfied, and earning maximum gratitude from passengers in the process.
The game’s unique premise and aesthetic reflect Double Fine’s characteristic irreverent approach to game design. Rather than a traditional bus simulator in the vein of the Bus Simulator series, Thank You Bus Driver embraces humor and chaos as core mechanics, delivering what reviewers describe as unmistakably a Double Fine product despite the unconventional subject matter.
The title will launch across multiple PC storefronts—Steam, GOG, and Itch.io—providing players diverse options for access. The rapid turnaround from independence to release demonstrates the studio’s ability to mobilize quickly after its separation from Microsoft. The announcement came mere weeks before launch, generating considerable interest from fans curious about the studio’s creative direction following its departure from the Xbox publishing umbrella.