{
  "id": 18390,
  "title": "Double Fine Productions cuts 23 roles as it becomes independent from Xbox",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/29/double-fine-productions-cuts-23-roles-as-it-becomes-independent-from",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-07-29T07:26:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GamesIndustry",
    "slug": "gamesindustry",
    "url": "https://www.gamesindustry.biz/double-fine-productions-cuts-23-roles-as-it-becomes-independent-from-xbox"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Double Fine Productions has downsized its staff by 25% after fully separating from Xbox this week. CEO and founder Tim Schafer detailed the decision in a social media post, revealing that 23 employees were let go in order to maintain a sustainable, smaller team. The layoffs were a difficult choice, made only to ensure the studio's survival. Schafer shared, \"The people we are losing were all important. They all made an impact on our games and culture, and they will be missed.\" The company is committed to supporting those affected and thanked them for their contributions. Xbox confirmed the studio's independence, stating that they will retain their IP, catalogue, and funding for future projects. Microsoft acquired Double Fine in 2019 for $13.2 million and currently owns Psychonauts 2, Keeper, and Kiln. The studio joins five others cut by significant reductions at Xbox Game Studios, including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane Lyon.",
  "summary": "Double Fine Productions has reduced its workforce by 25% following its full separation from Xbox earlier this week. Read more",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}