Double Fine Productions

Double Fine Productions

Double Fine Productions is an American video game development company founded in July 2000 by Tim Schafer, a former LucasArts employee. The company is known for its unique and creative games, often characterized by humor and distinctive art styles.

History

Double Fine Productions was established in San Francisco, California, with the goal of creating innovative and original video games. Tim Schafer, the founder, had previously worked on several acclaimed adventure games at LucasArts, including Grim Fandango and Full Throttle.

Early Years

The company's first project was Psychonauts, a platformer that was released in 2005. Despite receiving critical acclaim for its imaginative design and storytelling, Psychonauts initially struggled commercially. However, it later gained a cult following and became a classic in the gaming community.

Subsequent Projects

Following Psychonauts, Double Fine released Brütal Legend in 2009, an action-adventure game that combined real-time strategy elements with a heavy metal theme. The game featured voice acting by Jack Black and received praise for its originality and humor.

In 2010, Double Fine began experimenting with smaller projects, resulting in the release of several downloadable games such as Costume Quest, Stacking, and Iron Brigade. These games were well-received and demonstrated the studio's versatility and creativity.

Crowdfunding and Recent Developments

In 2012, Double Fine made headlines by launching a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund a new adventure game, which became Broken Age. The campaign raised over $3 million, significantly surpassing its initial goal and setting a precedent for crowdfunding in the video game industry.

In 2019, Double Fine was acquired by Xbox Game Studios, a division of Microsoft. This acquisition allowed the studio to continue developing its unique games with greater financial stability.

Notable Games

• Psychonauts (2005)
• Brütal Legend (2009)
• Costume Quest (2010)
• Stacking (2011)
• Broken Age (2014)
• Psychonauts 2 (2021)

Development Philosophy

Double Fine Productions is known for its emphasis on creativity and storytelling. The studio often explores unconventional themes and gameplay mechanics, setting its games apart from mainstream titles. Tim Schafer's leadership and vision have been instrumental in maintaining the company's reputation for innovation.

Awards and Recognition

Double Fine's games have received numerous awards and nominations, particularly for their art direction, writing, and originality. Psychonauts and Psychonauts 2 have been especially praised for their narrative depth and imaginative worlds.

External Links

• Official Double Fine Productions website
• MobyGames profile