Double Fine and Compulsion Games Confirm Independent Future After Leaving Xbox

Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games have now confirmed that their departures from Xbox are moving forward, with both studios outlining plans to operate independently and continue developing their own projects.

The two developers were among four studios announced for departure from Xbox in July, alongside Ninja Theory and Undead Labs. Double Fine and Compulsion have now provided more detail about what independence means for their games, intellectual property and future development plans.

Double Fine says game purchases now support the studio directly

Double Fine founder Tim Schafer said purchases of the studio's games now support Double Fine rather than Microsoft, although Xbox Game Studios branding may remain visible for some time while publishing arrangements are updated.

The studio is also moving ahead with a new Amnesia Fortnight project involving a Game Jam, documentary and Kickstarter campaign. Backers will be able to help select ideas that will become four prototypes, with one eventually planned to move into full game development.

Double Fine also has other projects underway that have not yet been announced. Its recently released game Kiln is expected to continue receiving additional maps and modes.

The studio is also preparing permanent price adjustments for Kiln and Keeper, while its Steam catalog is undergoing international pricing reviews.

Compulsion Games is working to regain its IP

Compulsion Games is taking a somewhat different route through a management buyout.

CEO Guillaume Provost confirmed that the South of Midnight developer is in the process of reacquiring its intellectual property from Microsoft. Purchases of its existing games are already supporting the independent studio during the transition.

Provost said Compulsion intends to keep creating unusual stories and distinctive worlds, but the studio does not plan to rush into its next major project. Its immediate priority is making sure the team is positioned for long term stability.

He described the management buyout as a positive outcome compared with the alternative of the studio potentially shutting down entirely. He also characterized Microsoft's handling of the separation as gracious.

That gives both studios more control over their futures, but it also means they will need to operate without the financial backing they previously received as Xbox owned teams.

For Double Fine, the next phase appears focused on smaller experimental ideas alongside continued support for existing games. Compulsion, meanwhile, is taking a slower approach as it completes its separation and determines what comes next after South of Midnight.

Details about the futures of Ninja Theory and Undead Labs remain less clear, with further announcements still expected regarding their own post Xbox plans.