Game developer Double Fine is making headlines with a bold commitment to produce Brutal Legend 2, but there’s a catch: they need to raise an astounding $100 million through their latest Kickstarter initiative. This lofty goal was revealed as part of their ‘Amnesia Fortnight 2026, Indie Reboot’ campaign launched recently.
Double Fine Goes Independent
In a significant move earlier this summer, Double Fine emerged from under Xbox’s mantle, regaining their independence and reclaiming rights to their entire catalogue, including fan favourites like Psychonauts, Kiln, and Brutal Legend. This transition followed a larger reshuffling within Xbox, which affected 3,200 jobs and saw multiple first-party studios change ownership.
Amnesia Fortnight 2026: A New Venture
Returning to Kickstarter, Double Fine is seeking approximately £295,399 for ‘Amnesia Fortnight 2026, Indie Reboot’, a project aimed at fuelling creativity through a two-week game jam. This event will culminate in the development of a new retail game and a behind-the-scenes documentary by the team behind PsychOdyssey.
The Stretch Goal Challenge
Among the stretch goals listed in the campaign, the standout is the ambitious $100 million target—a feat that would revive Brutal Legend 2. Given that the most successful Kickstarter to date achieved $46 million and in the gaming arena, Shenmue 3 holds the record with $6 million, achieving this would be unprecedented. Despite its likely humorous nature, the goal encapsulates the studio’s ambitious spirit.
Celebrating Creativity
Double Fine has a rich tradition, dating back to 2007, of using their Amnesia Fortnight game jam to develop innovative game concepts. During these sessions, the team temporarily puts aside existing projects to pitch and prototype fresh ideas. Games like Costume Quest and Iron Brigade originated from these creative bursts.
This year, participants can vote on 26 imaginative game ideas, including intriguingly titled concepts like ‘Lesbian Sled Death’, ‘Friendslap’, and ‘Brouroboros’. The winning projects will be developed into small games under the new Double Fine Action Labs label, known for its focus on quirky and experimental games.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.