Double Fine’s Tim Schafer on Finding Commercial Success in Unconventional Games
In a candid interview with Bloomberg, Double Fine Productions’ head honcho Tim Schafer has shed light on the challenges his studio faced during its tenure under Xbox. Despite not being profitable, Schafer is convinced that their unique games can resonate with a wider audience and achieve commercial success – if only they can find the right people to connect with.
Double Fine’s latest titles, Keeper and Kiln, didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of sales, but Schafer doesn’t see this as a failure. Instead, he believes these games have mass market appeal, and it’s just a matter of reaching the right audience. “We never actively tried to make a game we thought was going to lose money,” Schafer explained. “I think people would say, ‘oh, Keeper looks like this art house thing that no one expects to be a hit.’ But to me it’s the kind of game that someone who doesn’t play games would love.”
The studio’s departure from Xbox at the start of July was seen as a positive move by many in the industry. However, the transition to independence wasn’t without its challenges. Double Fine had to lay off 23 staff members in an effort to become lean and agile enough to sustain itself. This painful decision was made only after exploring all other options.
Now, Schafer is focusing on finding new ways to generate revenue. The studio has launched a Kickstarter campaign for their own game jam, Amnesia Fortnight, which aims to fund the development of innovative games that might not have been viable otherwise. The project has already surpassed its $400,000 goal, demonstrating the enthusiasm and support of fans for Double Fine’s unique approach.
Schafer is also exploring other revenue streams, such as ports and remasters, while pitching new game ideas to potential investors. He’s adamant that whatever the next game might be, it will retain the Double Fine signature – a blend of creativity, experimentation, and fun that has endeared their games to fans worldwide.
Double Fine’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of uncertainty. As Schafer so aptly put it, “After all these years, how little I understand about the business just shows how hard it is to know.” Despite this, he remains committed to his team and their creative vision, convinced that with the right support, their unconventional games can become commercial hits.
The future of Double Fine looks bright, and their commitment to innovative game development will undoubtedly continue to inspire fans and developers alike. As Schafer’s words suggest, it’s not about chasing profit margins or following industry trends; it’s about creating something truly special that resonates with people on a deeper level. With their next project already in the works, one thing is certain: Double Fine will continue to push the boundaries of what gaming can be – and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-09-08