Earlier this year, Double Fine was among the studios impacted by a sweeping restructuring at Xbox, which resulted in four studios changing ownership and the elimination of over 3,200 jobs. The studio has since become independent and now fully controls its catalog, which includes Psychonauts, Kiln and Brutal Legend.
Their initial undertaking is a two‑week game jam in which the team will set aside their regular duties, brainstorm their most ambitious concepts, select their preferred ideas, and develop prototypes.
They described the experience as “fun, stressful, and truly incredible,” explaining that the crowdfunding campaign will let donors vote on which of the 26 projects will be pursued further, and that the funds will also support a documentary by 2 Player Productions.
AMNESIA FORTNIGHT 2026 KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN IS LIVE
Help us keep making weird and wondrous games; 26 amazing game pitches await your votes, and in the end, one prototype will emerge victorious!
The fate of THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE is in your hands! pic.twitter.com/Fu8vMA8rqa
— Double Fine Productions (@DoubleFine) August 31, 2026
Double Fine has already surpassed its £296,415 goal, with 27 days remaining. The sole stretch goal is an ambitious $100 million; achieving it would enable the development of a sequel to Brutal Legend. The team noted that the record‑breaking Kickstarter that raised $46 million demonstrates the scale of this target.
Reactions from fans have been mixed. Some observers note that the project has been desired for 17 years yet appears to be leveraged to generate buzz for a questionable Kickstarter, while others argue that the promise of a sequel may be unrealistic and that donors could be misled.
Earlier this month, Double Fine offered Brutal Legend as a free download for 666 hours after the passing of Tim Curry, the voice actor behind Emperor Doviculus.
Separately, the inclusion of several artists’ tracks on the soundtrack of Grand Theft Auto VI’s “An Extended Look” trailer has dramatically increased their streaming numbers.