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.
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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:
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It also has a Steam store page up you can wishlist/follow it on.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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[quote=eldaking]
But what is my opinion of MS? Well... let's just say I've been considering moving to a different part of the U.S. because the tech industry in my area is too entrenched in MS and other old-fashioned vendor relationships for my style.
I don't think we will see Microsoft actively push software for Linux any time soon.If we're talking about games, agree. The fact that Visual Studio Code works well on a Linux desktop tells me they are at least trying to support as many people as possible creating things on their cloud platforms, and that means developer tools and frameworks like WSL as you mentioned, Code, and .NET Core.
But what is my opinion of MS? Well... let's just say I've been considering moving to a different part of the U.S. because the tech industry in my area is too entrenched in MS and other old-fashioned vendor relationships for my style.
2 Likes, Who?
I don't much trust Microsoft, but they've made some surprising moves recently where Linux has not been the kicked dog for once, so I'm somewhat positive they may do some positive stuff for the PC-gaming market and actually include us as a userbase in future projects?
But Double Fine Productions dropped the ball on Spacebase DF-9 and other projects and they can take a flying leap over the moon for all I care.
I'm still waiting for that game to get some semblance of a 1.0 release that actually has working content in it. As it stands now it's unplayable and Double Fine doesn't respond to support requests on it.
Here's hoping the big M kicks them into fixing some of their older works as well as creating new content.
But Double Fine Productions dropped the ball on Spacebase DF-9 and other projects and they can take a flying leap over the moon for all I care.
I'm still waiting for that game to get some semblance of a 1.0 release that actually has working content in it. As it stands now it's unplayable and Double Fine doesn't respond to support requests on it.
Here's hoping the big M kicks them into fixing some of their older works as well as creating new content.
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wich means, by buying their games we will be giving money to microsoft...
... for a Linux game. Sounds fair to me. If Microsoft would support Linux games - which I won't believe (except for existing obligations) before I see it -, I'd happily support their commitment(*).
(*) Could I use "engagement" here?
Last edited by Eike on 10 June 2019 at 11:38 am UTC
4 Likes, Who?
MS seems to be buying up most of the Indies with a good track record and strong fan base. It's pretty clear they want to have a large number of exclusives for the next generation of consoles and this sucks for gamers.
4 Likes, Who?
Arehandoro Jun 10, 2019
As much as I like Tim Schafer, or his studio, we can't deny that he is a bit of a Judas and would sell his soul to the highest bidder without contemplation whatsoever. Which actually he just did to Microsoft so it shouldn't surprise me, yet still annoying.
I guess Psychonauts 2 will be the last game I buy from them.
I guess Psychonauts 2 will be the last game I buy from them.
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Mohandevir Jun 10, 2019
Epic on one side of the exclusive stuff and Microsoft on the other. They really are trying to whrench PC gaming from Steam. It might just be exagerated from my part, but I'm worried for the influence of Steam, on the long term and, thus, for Linux gaming. I'm affraid Valve might be forced to speed up studio acquisitions too, to protect a part of their market, like they did with Campo Santo (Firewatch).
1 Likes, Who?
Honestly I really don't understand the hate Schafer gets for his studio and money management. I do know the reasons people cite repeatedly, I just don't understand why. It's no secret that studio has struggled from practically day one financially, and except for Spacebase DF-9, they've always delivered -- Yes, including Broken Age (Was I the only backer that liked the final product? Although, Act 2 was way better then Act 1). Really I think it's just the popular thing to hate on. Spacebase gets some legit hate/bad rep, which Schafer did explain albeit it all happening very abruptly (it came down to money of course). Maybe it's because I don't care for the type of game Spacebase was, so I never got bit nor got burned. I own literally every other Doublefine game.
It's an indie studio with actual staff that he has to pay (in an admittedly not-cheap area where him and his employees have lives).
It's unfortunate they went with Microsoft to us linux fellows, but I hardly blame him. Heck, the same people that won't give him an inch also throw a fit if he doesn't give them a foot; I can't imagine that makes it easy to stay in business -- I wouldn't be surprised if his options were to sell out, stress himself into serious health issues if he hasn't already (I'd be more surprised if he hasn't), or take the lifeline.
It's an indie studio with actual staff that he has to pay (in an admittedly not-cheap area where him and his employees have lives).
It's unfortunate they went with Microsoft to us linux fellows, but I hardly blame him. Heck, the same people that won't give him an inch also throw a fit if he doesn't give them a foot; I can't imagine that makes it easy to stay in business -- I wouldn't be surprised if his options were to sell out, stress himself into serious health issues if he hasn't already (I'd be more surprised if he hasn't), or take the lifeline.
1 Likes, Who?
[quote=14]
That they released Visual Studio Code and .NET Core is because they know that they have lost the server developers to Linux but desperately want to still make their technology relevant.
WSL is kind of like Phase #2 in that respect since that is a way for them to say "hey there Linux server developers, you don't need to run a Linux desktop anymore when developing Linux server software". I mean we don't want developers to start getting used to a Linux desktop now are we.
I don't think we will see Microsoft actively push software for Linux any time soon.If we're talking about games, agree. The fact that Visual Studio Code works well on a Linux desktop tells me they are at least trying to support as many people as possible creating things on their cloud platforms, and that means developer tools and frameworks like WSL as you mentioned, Code, and .NET Core.
But what is my opinion of MS? Well... let's just say I've been considering moving to a different part of the U.S. because the tech industry in my area is too entrenched in MS and other old-fashioned vendor relationships for my style.
That they released Visual Studio Code and .NET Core is because they know that they have lost the server developers to Linux but desperately want to still make their technology relevant.
WSL is kind of like Phase #2 in that respect since that is a way for them to say "hey there Linux server developers, you don't need to run a Linux desktop anymore when developing Linux server software". I mean we don't want developers to start getting used to a Linux desktop now are we.
2 Likes, Who?
Another one bites the dust I guess? Good bye Tim, you and your games will be missed.
0 Likes
Mohandevir Jun 11, 2019
Not on subject, but just a tought... What use for EGS exclusivity deals if Xbox PC gamepass works around it? Metro Exodus is now on the Xbox PC gamepass, after 4 months of exclusivity. Has the sales been lower then they expected? Could it become the demise of Epic's strategy? Better put their Fortnite cash down the drain, unless it's a Steam lockout deal?
0 Likes
Not on subject, but just a tought... What use for EGS exclusivity deals if Xbox PC gamepass works around it? Metro Exodus is now on the Xbox PC gamepass, after 4 months of exclusivity. Has the sales been lower then they expected? Could it become the demise of Epic's strategy? Better put their Fortnite cash down the drain, unless it's a Steam lockout deal?
IMHO it's absolutely a steam-lockout deal in everything but name.
0 Likes
Mohandevir Jun 11, 2019
Not on subject, but just a tought... What use for EGS exclusivity deals if Xbox PC gamepass works around it? Metro Exodus is now on the Xbox PC gamepass, after 4 months of exclusivity. Has the sales been lower then they expected? Could it become the demise of Epic's strategy? Better put their Fortnite cash down the drain, unless it's a Steam lockout deal?
IMHO it's absolutely a steam-lockout deal in everything but name.
If that's so, I dare hope that Steam as legal recourses against EGS.
Edit:
EGS is so focused on attacking Steam that they don't realize that they are going to be overtaken by Microsoft, at full speed?
Thing is, Win32 app or not, Xbox gamepass or UWP... It's the same concept in a different wrapping. Ulitmately, MS is still pursuing the goal of making everyone use it's store. If it happens, be carefull of the next step(s).
Last edited by Mohandevir on 11 June 2019 at 5:51 pm UTC
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