Microsoft isn’t done acquiring game developers. During their E3 2019 press conference, Microsoft’s Matt Booty announced that Tim Schafer and Double Fine Productions were joining Xbox Games Studios. Best known for their humorous titles such as Psychonauts, Brutal Legend, and Broken Age. This comes after the major acquisitions Microsoft made last year when they added Obsidian, Undead Labs, Ninja Theory, Compulsion, and Playground Games to their vast list of first-party developers.
Double Fine made a splash when they released their first title, 2005’s Psychonauts. The platformer was put out by Majesco Entertainment and while it didn’t become a huge commercial success, it was highly praised for its innovative gameplay. Since then, they’ve developed a number of critical hits such as their halloween-themed Costume Quest, Stacking, and Massive Chalice. They’ve also remastered several of founder Tim Schaefer’s classic LucasArts adventure games such as Grim Fandango, Day of the Tentacle, and Full Throttle.
Psychonauts 2 gameplay trailer released
Schafer then came on stage to premiere a new trailer for Psychonauts 2. The crowdfunded platformer is set to release later this year and will be coming to Xbox Games Pass at launch thanks to this acquisition. It’s the sequel to their 2005 release, which quickly became a cult classic and is regarded as one of the best 3D platformers of the early aughts. This is the first time that we’ve seen gameplay of the highly anticipated release.
The gameplay features Raz and the gang returning for more psychic-filled antics. It takes place after the virtual reality spinoff, Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin. Raz returns to Psychonauts headquarters and finds out that the organization has changed substantially in the absences of Truman Zanotto. It’s set to explore the history of the characters and Raz’s family curse.
Check out the debut Psychonauts 2 gameplay trailer below.
