A Double Fine deal with Sierra

by Ross Miller { Sep 8th 2006 at 7:25PM }

Double Fine have found a new publisher in Sierra, who will release an original IP from Schafer et al. No Psychonauts sequel (drat!), but Schafer has a long history of original creations and inventive characters (Full Throttle, Grim Fandango) and we can't wait to see how crazy his next brainchild will be.

Sierra, in name, has a history with the adventure genre (King's Quest, Gabriel Knight, Leisure Suit Larry) but is now a shadow of its former self. The final remnants of Sierra was laid off in June of 2004 and now serves as a publisher for developers such as Radical Entertainment and High Moon Studios. Whether or not Sierra will treat Double Fine well has yet to be seen, but a former LucasArts Adventure vet joining forces with a former adventure game giant is somewhat ironic.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

LaughingTarget @ Sep 8th 2006 7:30PM

As much as I'd like to see it, an adventure game is probably not in the cards. An adventure game, no matter how good, probably won't sell well to make it worth it. However, I've never once been unhappy with a Tim Schafer game, so this is bound to be good.

exy @ Sep 8th 2006 7:35PM

Fact: Sierra made amazing adventure games.

Fact: Shafer makes amazing games.

This publishing deal, while probably not a big money maker, can only spell good things for the gamer. I look forward to something great being created.

Ludwig Kietzmann @ Sep 8th 2006 7:44PM

Well, if Tim proved anything with Psychonauts, it's that other genres (in that case, platforming) could be injected with adventure game sensibilities and turn out wonderfully. He could do a killer FPS, even. :)

buckshot @ Sep 8th 2006 8:33PM

Man, I loved Full throttle, almost forgot about it. At the time I was blown away by the graphics/animation style. I think I would like to see an adventure game resurgance.

phillosmaster @ Sep 8th 2006 8:33PM

Posting Tim's resume is equivalent to posting a list of my all time favorite games. Everything that guy does is gold.

I agree with #1 though. Since "adventure game" is now a dirty word, I doubt we'll see an adventure game from this union. I will admit that I would be totally stoked if they did make an adventure game.

rocko @ Sep 8th 2006 8:54PM

as sad as it is, the first thing that comes to mind when I hear Sierra isn't Leisure Suit Larry or King's Quest. It will always be Incredible Contraptions. Why havn't they brought that game back yet? All I've got left is an Armadillo Run demo and a zonky german version of Incredible Contraptions with better graphics.

yhancik @ Sep 8th 2006 9:27PM

the enemies of yesterday are now working hand in hand...
after all Sega is publishing game for Nintendo consoles, now ;)

Mitsuo @ Sep 8th 2006 9:52PM

@#6

Do...you mean.....THE INCREDIBLE MACHINE(TIM)!!!!! That's the only game I remember Sierra making. I love TIM(the game...and the guy) so much. I remember making it into the 200+ puzzles for the original. and I must say..those were some CRAZY puzzles.

Full Throtle was my favorite game Shafer made. I was pissed to find out the sequal was cancled. VIVA SHAFER!

GhaleonQ @ Sep 8th 2006 11:18PM

You all DO know that the long-awaited XP compilations of Sierra's best series (except for Gabriel Knight) are FINALLY being released in a week, right?

*crosses fingers*

mercatfat @ Sep 9th 2006 1:40AM

Schafer doesn't do sequels out of pure policy.

As much as I love Psychonauts, it's the thought of a Grim Fandango sequel that gives me a bad case of the boners. No pun intended.

In any case, I'm sure he still has brilliance in his sleeve. I'm pretty sure Ron Gilbert still has a desk in the Double Fine offices, although he's not officially with the company.

For what it's worth, Schafer also came up with the Guybrush character, no matter how much Gilbert pretends he did.

Rico @ Sep 9th 2006 5:18AM

It's awesome that Schafer has secured his much deserved publishing deal. After Psychonauts I was worried that he wouldn't get a lot of support, even if much of the fault lies with Majesco.

Not too bothered about an adventure game, though. Again, Psychonauts proved that his genius is not just limited to point-and-clicks. If I recall correctly, wasn't his next game going to be Metal-themed?

NoHitHair @ Sep 9th 2006 5:06PM

I wrote Tim Schafer a handwritten letter to express my shock and amazement at his team crafting a game so polished and uniquely innovative especially while the industry unflinchingly drowns in a cesspool of pandering and contrived "AAA Titles". He wrote me a handwritten reply thanking me along with a bunch of Psychonauts stickers, patches and a keychain.

If nothing else, Schafer is proof of a developer out there who actually gives a sh*t.