
Double Fine Regains Full IP Rights and Returns to Kickstarter After Xbox Split
Double Fine Productions has confirmed that it has regained the IP and publishing rights for every game it released during its time under Xbox, marking a clean break from Microsoft following the studio's independence. In a statement that will resonate with longtime fans, the studio noted that "buying any of our games helps support the studio," meaning all revenue from sales of titles like Psychonauts 2 now flows directly back to the developer rather than to a publisher. The full IP transfer covers the entire catalog produced under the Xbox umbrella, with Double Fine confirming: "Everything, we got back, the transfer of the IP came back to us."
To celebrate its newfound freedom, Double Fine is reviving one of its most beloved traditions: Amnesia Fortnight, a live game jam in which fans get a direct say in what the studio makes next. The event is set to kick off on August 31 via a Kickstarter campaign launching later in August, where backers will be able to watch the jam livestreamed and vote on which small prototype concept should become the studio's next project. The return to Kickstarter is a symbolic and practical homecoming for Double Fine, which originally used the platform to fund Broken Age back in 2012 before its acquisition by Microsoft.
Key Insights
- 1Double Fine has reclaimed full IP and publishing rights for all games made during its time under Xbox, meaning the studio keeps 100% of revenue from future sales.
- 2The studio confirmed the IP transfer with a direct quote: 'Everything, we got back, the transfer of the IP came back to us.'
- 3Double Fine is reviving Amnesia Fortnight, its fan-favorite live game jam, with a Kickstarter campaign launching in late August and the jam itself set for August 31.
- 4Kickstarter backers will be able to vote on which small game concept Double Fine pursues next, giving fans meaningful creative input.
- 5The return to Kickstarter is a nostalgic callback to the studio's roots, having originally crowdfunded Broken Age on the platform before the Xbox acquisition.
Sources
Double Fine Owns IP and Publishing Rights for All of Its Games Following Xbox Split, Psychonauts Studio Confirms
IGN · 22h ago
The newly independent Psychonauts dev now earns all the revenue when you buy games it made under Xbox: 'Buying any of our games helps support the studio'
PC Gamer · 1d ago
Free from Xbox, Double Fine returns to Kickstarter to ask fans what its next "small" game should be
GamesRadar · 1d ago
Famed Studio Is Officially Making a Comeback After Xbox Layoffs
Polygon · 1d ago
You Can Help Decide Double Fine's Next Project In Its Upcoming Game Jam Livestream
Game Informer · 1d ago
Psychonauts Dev Now Owns All Its Games Made Under Xbox And Their Publishing Rights: 'Buying Any Of Our Games Helps Support The Studio'
Kotaku · 1d ago
Double Fine Is Bringing Back Its Beloved Game Jam As A Kickstarter So Fans Can Vote On Its Next Project
Kotaku · 1d ago
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