# Double Fine

> American video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q1251435](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1251435)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Fine)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/double-fine

## Summary
Double Fine is an American video game developer founded in 2000 by industry veteran Tim Schafer. Known for critically acclaimed titles like *Psychonauts* and *Broken Age*, the studio was acquired by Xbox Game Studios in 2019. It specializes in adventure games and has played a significant role in reviving classic genres through innovative storytelling and gameplay.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: July 2000 by Tim Schafer.
- **Headquarters**: San Francisco, United States.
- **Ownership**: Acquired by Xbox Game Studios in June 2019.
- **Notable Games**: *Psychonauts*, *Brütal Legend*, *Broken Age*, and *Grim Fandango Remastered*.
- **Employees**: 65 staff members (as of 2015).
- **Awards**: Nominated for Golden Joystick Awards’ Studio of the Year (2021).

## FAQs
### Q: Who founded Double Fine?
A: Double Fine was founded by Tim Schafer, a renowned video game designer known for his work on adventure games like *Grim Fandango* and *Full Thistle*.

### Q: What is Double Fine’s most famous game?
A: The studio is best known for *Psychonauts* (2005), a critically acclaimed action-adventure game that gained a cult following and spawned a sequel in 2021.

### Q: Is Double Fine still independent?
A: No. After operating independently for nearly two decades, Double Fine was acquired by Xbox Game Studios in June 2019.

## Why It Matters
Double Fine has been a driving force in preserving and innovating within the adventure game genre, blending humor, storytelling, and creative gameplay mechanics. Founded by Tim Schafer after his departure from LucasArts, the studio has maintained a reputation for developing unique, often unconventional titles that appeal to niche audiences. Its acquisition by Xbox Game Studios in 2019 marked a shift toward broader platform support, while its early adoption of crowdfunding (e.g., *Broken Age*) demonstrated its ability to adapt to industry changes. By reviving classic genres and pushing narrative boundaries, Double Fine has influenced both indie and AAA game development, ensuring the survival of story-driven experiences in the gaming landscape.

## Notable For
- **Genre Revival**: Contributed to the resurgence of point-and-click adventure games through titles like *Grim Fandango Remastered*.
- **Crowdfunding Success**: Successfully funded *Broken Age* via Kickstarter in 2012, raising over $3.3 million.
- **Xbox Acquisition**: Became part of Xbox Game Studios in 2019, expanding its resources while retaining creative autonomy.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Consistently received awards and nominations for writing, design, and innovation.

## Body
### Founding and Leadership
Double Fine was established in July 2000 by **Tim Schafer**, who serves as its creative director. Schafer, born on July 26, 1967, is recognized for his work on seminal adventure games at LucasArts, including *The Secret of Monkey Island* and *Grim Fandango*. The studio operates as a **privately held company** with headquarters in **San Francisco**.

### Ownership and Structure
- **Parent Organization**: Acquired by **Xbox Game Studios** in June 2019.
- **Legal Form**: Privately held company.
- **Employees**: 65 staff members reported in 2015.

### Notable Works
- **Psychonauts** (2005): A platformer-adventure game praised for its writing and world design.
- **Brütal Legend** (2009): An action game featuring heavy metal aesthetics and voice acting by Jack Black.
- **Broken Age** (2014): A point-and-click adventure funded via Kickstarter.
- **Grim Fandango Remastered** (2015): A remastered version of Schafer’s 1998 classic.

### Recognition and Impact
- **Awards**: Nominated for **Golden Joystick Awards – Studio of the Year** (2021).
- **Cultural Influence**: Played a key role in the adventure game revival of the 2010s and demonstrated the viability of crowdfunding for AAA-style projects.

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## References

1. LastDodo
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Microsoft acquires Double Fine Productions
6. MusicBrainz
7. [Golden Joystick Awards 2021: see the full list of nominees and how to vote today. 2021](https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2021-nominations)
8. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
9. Quora
10. VideoGameGeek
11. Video Games Chronicle