Double Fine aims to crowdfund $100 million for a Brutal Legend sequel as the studio returns to its indie roots following Microsoft's divestiture.
As Double Fine embarks on a bold move to resuscitate Brutal Legend with a sequel, the studio is evidently testing the gaming community’s commitment to legendary games of the past. As reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, Double Fine has launched a unique Kickstarter campaign, tying the development of Brutal Legend 2 to a game jam initiative and setting an ambitious funding goal of $100 million. This move follows Microsoft’s decision to no longer hold the studio under its umbrella, giving Double Fine the freedom to pursue its indie interests once more. The hefty price tag essentially challenges fans to determine whether there’s enough appetite—and funds—for a sequel to the cult classic.
Development and Platform News
The landscape for PC gamers and their chosen platforms continues to evolve. EVERSPACE 2 has received its final tech update, which, according to GamingOnLinux, makes it officially Steam Deck and Steam Machine Verified. This update is likely to expand the game’s accessibility and convenience for players using these devices. Meanwhile, GamingOnLinux warns Linux gamers that Ubisoft’s FOR HONOR will block access for SteamOS/Linux users starting September 10th, a move that reflects Ubuntu’s ongoing challenges in compatibility and support with certain game publishers.
In other Linux news, Bazzite Linux has released a substantial set of fixes for its handheld platform, as noted by GamingOnLinux. This ongoing development suggests a committed effort to improve user experience and address any emerging technical issues on this specialized platform.
Industry Developments
Don’t Nod, the developer behind the well-received Life is Strange series, is facing potential layoffs as part of a “transformation initiative.” This follows concerns about the studio’s financial health and its ability to sustain operations through the end of the year, as reported by Rock Paper Shotgun. The announcement reflects broader industry trends of fluctuating financial stability, particularly among studios without a steady pipeline of successful releases.
Remasters and Previews
The anticipated The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past expansion was recently previewed behind closed doors, with a focus not just on narrative content but also on enhancements to combat and other game mechanics. Rock Paper Shotgun provides insights that suggest expectations are being set high not only for new content but also for the improvements in the existing game mechanics that come with the package.
