UPDATE: Fans of the beloved video game series Psychonauts will face disappointment as Double Fine’s chief, Tim Schafer, has confirmed that a sequel is not on the horizon. During an interview with IGN at Gamescom earlier this week, Schafer stated, “I’m working on other stuff,” indicating that the studio is currently focused on new original titles rather than revisiting past successes.
The announcement comes as many anticipated news regarding Psychonauts 3 at the gaming event. Instead, Schafer emphasized that Double Fine is prioritizing multiple ongoing projects, all of which are original intellectual properties (IPs). He noted that the success of Psychonauts 2 will allow the studio to hold off on sequels for the foreseeable future.
Schafer did not disclose specifics about these new projects, but he did mention one upcoming title, Keeper, set to release on October 17. This game features a unique concept where players embody a walking lighthouse accompanied by a bird named Twig. Schafer described Keeper as “a weird, but chill experience,” highlighting its lack of dialogue and a gameplay length of about six to eight hours.
The creative director’s comments are particularly significant given that fans have been hoping for a continuation of the Psychonauts saga. This is not the first time Schafer has dampened expectations for a third installment. The PsychOdyssey documentary released last year revealed the extensive effort required to develop Psychonauts 2, and some developers expressed reluctance to undergo such a demanding process again for a sequel.
While Keeper may not be Psychonauts 3, its surreal art style may appeal to fans of the series. It is available for wishlisting on Steam and will also be launching on Xbox. As Double Fine shifts its focus to these new projects, updates on future developments will be critical for fans eager for more content.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on the latest gaming news as the industry continues to evolve.
