Fans of the beloved Psychonauts series may find themselves feeling a tinge of disappointment following the recent revelations from Tim Schafer, the head of Double Fine Productions. During an interview with IGN at this week’s Gamescom, Schafer indicated that the studio has no immediate plans to develop Psychonauts 3 or a sequel to Brütal Legend. Instead, the focus is shifting towards original intellectual properties.
New Directions for Double Fine
Schafer elaborated on the extensive effort that went into creating Psychonauts 2, hinting at the developers’ hesitance to embark on a similar journey for a third installment. This decision aligns with Double Fine’s current strategy to prioritize smaller, innovative projects. While this may be disheartening for fans eagerly awaiting another adventure in the Psychonauts universe, it opens the door to fresh experiences.
Among these new ventures is a game titled Keeper, slated for release on October 17. In this surreal and occasionally unsettling puzzle game, players assume the role of a walking lighthouse accompanied by a bird named Twig. Schafer describes Keeper as “a weird, but chill experience,” emphasizing its unique charm with no dialogue throughout gameplay.
“It’s come a long way to make, even though it’s not a long gameplay experience. We estimate it to be about six to eight hours of gameplay,” Schafer noted, adding that within this timeframe, players can expect a “very deep and high-fidelity, kind of AAA experience.”
For those who appreciate the surreal and otherworldly art style reminiscent of Psychonauts, Keeper may serve as a delightful alternative while fans await further news from Double Fine. The game is available for wishlisting on Steam and will also launch on Xbox, providing an opportunity for players to explore new realms crafted by the imaginative minds at Double Fine.
