NewsBite analysis · Gaming
wccftech
Tim Schafer Sheds a Quarter of Double Fine's Newly Independent Team After Keeper and Kiln Flopped Under Xbox
Double Fine Productions, led by Tim Schafer, has laid off 23 employees, about 25% of its total staff, after regaining independence from Xbox. The studio's recent projects, Keeper and Kiln, failed to achieve commercial and critical success, prompting this difficult decision to ensure sustainability. Schafer expressed gratitude towards the departing team members, highlighting their contributions to the studio's culture.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizon
Published 29 Jul 2026, 10:20 UTC3 min read
Visit original article ↗Lead image — wccftech
Summary
TL;DR
- Double Fine laid off 23 employees after returning to independence from Xbox.
- This cut represents around 25% of the total workforce.
- Recent projects Keeper and Kiln did not perform well commercially or critically.
- Tim Schafer emphasized the challenging nature of these layoffs.
- The studio aims to restructure to ensure viable operations going forward.
Interesting facts
- The layoffs occur amid a shift in Xbox's strategic focus under new leadership.
- Double Fine was previously acquired by Xbox in 2019 to assist funding and creative freedom.