Just weeks after regaining its independence from Microsoft, San Francisco-based developer Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees. The cuts directly follow a restructuring deal earlier this week that spun the beloved studio out of the Xbox division. He emphasized the emotional toll of the cuts, stating that as a small team, these actions are never taken lightly. According to Schafer, only the survival of the studio would ever make leadership consider such a painful move. He warmly praised the departing staff, affirming that everyone leaving was important and made a lasting impact on Double Fine’s games and culture.