'I Really Want Game Pass to Work' — After Navigating the Xbox 'Reset,' Double Fine Boss Tim Schafer Is Indie Once Again

It's only been a few months since Double Fine split from Microsoft, but the team behind Psychonauts 2, Kiln, and Keeper is already looking ahead. With another successful Kickstarter campaign under its belt, the newly independent studio's second (or third?) life as an indie is off to an optimistic start. The current Kickstarter is focused on the developer's latest Amnesia Fortnight – a developer-run game jam where new micro games are produced – allowing the team to build up some much-needed runway as they plan their next major project.

At PAX West 2026, we spoke with Double Fine studio head and president Tim Schafer about the developer's current path forward. Along with discussing his return to independence following the biggest restructure in Xbox history, Schafer reflected on Double Fine's years under Microsoft's banner and explained how Game Pass can still potentially work as a subscription service. He also reaffirmed his commitment to making Brutal Legend 2 (provided someone can front the money for it).