Double Fine is launching its first independent game in years just weeks after parting ways with Xbox
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Double Fine is releasing its chaotic new indie game, Thank You Bus Driver, on October 14 under a new experimental label following its recent split from Xbox.
Double Fine has wasted no time charting a new course as an independent studio. According to Eurogamer, the legendary developer is launching its next project, Thank You Bus Driver, on October 14 across Steam, GOG, and Itch.io. This black-and-white driving game tasks players with navigating a town route while managing schedules and dealing with unruly passengers using an appropriately bizarre mechanic involving freakishly long arms.
This release marks a massive turning point for the studio following its recent split from Xbox. As part of a broader corporate restructure that saw several first-party studios spun off and widespread industry layoffs, Double Fine parted ways with Xbox earlier this summer and reduced its own headcount. To adapt to this new reality, the studio is launching Thank You Bus Driver under a brand new label called Double Fine Action Labs, which is designed to bring small, weird experimental games to market much faster than traditional development cycles allow.
Despite the turbulent transition, studio founder Tim Schafer remains pragmatic about the industry landscape and supportive of subscription models like Game Pass that help quirky titles find an audience. While the broader games ecosystem continues to grapple with instability and job losses, Double Fine is leaning back into the nimble, creative energy that defined its cult classic roots, proving that independent ambition is alive and well for one of gaming's most celebrated teams.
Tags: Double Fine, Indie Games, PC Gaming, Industry News
Original article: Eurogamer