News just coming out of E3, Double Fine Productions founded by Tim Schafer has been acquired by Microsoft. Specifically, they're now part of Xbox Game Studios.
I'm sure most of you know Double Fine Productions, who are responsible for developing games like: Psychonauts, the upcoming Psychonauts 2 (which is supposed to release for Linux), The Cave, Broken Age, Costume Quest, Day of the Tentacle Remastered, Grim Fandango Remastered and plenty more.
Direct Link
This does mean their future titles are less likely to be released for Linux, but it shouldn't affect Psychonauts 2 which was crowdfunded on Fig and advertised a Linux version back then. If we hear anything concerning Psychonauts 2, we will let you know as we've emailed them today to find out. Updated: They've confirmed on Twitter, that Psychonauts 2 is still planned for Linux.
This is on top of Obsidian Entertainment, inXile Entertainment, Ninja theory, Compulsion Games, Undead Labs and more who Microsoft previously acquired. With the recent Stadia reveal from Google, perhaps this is Microsoft's way of fighting back? To keep a ton of games locked to their systems?
For those wanting to see some of Psychonauts 2, here's their brand new trailer from E3:
Direct Link
It also has a Steam store page up you can wishlist/follow it on.
This does mean their future titles are less likely to be released for Linux
They even specifically mention that in the video (with different audio quality too, so it seems that was edited in later):
Going forward, we will be focusing on Xbox Game Pass and PC
https://twitter.com/DoubleFine/status/1137829847131013120
Psychonauts 2 still confirmed for Linux.
Remember "We Happy Few"
Last edited by PlayX on 9 June 2019 at 9:21 pm UTC
Will be future games to linux?
Double Fine is/was one of my favorite game developers...
It ruined my day that news...
Which last I heard was still coming, they gave it to an external studio to give it proper attention.https://twitter.com/DoubleFine/status/1137829847131013120
Psychonauts 2 still confirmed for Linux.
Remember "We Happy Few"
Which last I heard was still coming, they gave it to an external studio to give it proper attention.
And that worked quite well for Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams, right?
The reason why inXile is making a native port of Bard's Tale 4 is because it was part of the crowdfunding campaign. Psychonauts 2 was also crowdfunded which is most likely the reason why a Linux version is still happening (hopefully).
These companies may retain their creativity freedom but on which platform is released is the publisher's choice and Microsoft doesn't care about the 5% (Included Mac users too) of non Windows users. When it comes to Linux they only care in the server and cloud space because that's where it suits them, not the desktop.
Last edited by Avehicle7887 on 9 June 2019 at 9:56 pm UTC
This does mean their future titles are less likely to be released for Linux
They even specifically mention that in the video (with different audio quality too, so it seems that was edited in later):
Going forward, we will be focusing on Xbox Game Pass and PC
Well, Linux is PC, more than anything else ;)
But yeah, i doubt MS-Studios will release Linux-Ports :/
Oh well, Microsoft loves Linux right, so presumably all Double Fine releases will now have day one Linux support. \o/
They do love Linux, the server OS that they use for their cloud services. They contribute to the kernel and all. They don't feel threatened by Linux, because they develop a desktop OS and in decades Linux was never able to really compete with Windows on desktop. But they want their desktop OS to be convenient for developers, so that people that develop for servers don't have to use a server OS on their desktops, thus they created WSL. :|
I don't think we will see Microsoft actively push software for Linux any time soon. But I don't think there is going to be any overt hostility against it either - sabotaging Linux probably would have a bigger PR cost than actual strategic gain. They might even allow some software to be ported occasionally (like the crowdfunded games) just because it shouldn't really be a big risk for them; it's not like at this point they need to draw away crowds from Linux to Windows.
Hopefully they are making a big mistake and it costs them everything. :D
Well bye bye Tim Schaffer, your games were great. You supported linux, but joining the most evil forces of the universe for the futur of mankind, is a no go for me. If I was abble to get all my games from your studio refunded, I would do it right away. Good luck in your trip into hell.
well i wasn't gonna put it quite that way, but... well yeah .w. i think more than a few of us feel similarly. no, ms does not love linux like we love linux
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