Double Fine has revealed its first game since regaining independence from Xbox: "Thank You Bus Driver," a comedy simulation game. The title, currently listed as "coming soon" on Steam, puts players in the role of a "reckless" bus driver tasked with reaching their destination while disregarding conventional rules and safety.
Players are encouraged to "drive fast, slap faster, and toss any rulebreakers out of your bus to reach true victory: being appreciated," according to the game's Steam description. The gameplay emphasizes speed and expediency over pedestrian avoidance or adherence to traffic laws, suggesting a chaotic and humorous experience. Shortcuts through fields and mid-turn map consultations are presented as viable strategies.
"Thank You Bus Driver" is available for pre-order on Steam and GOG. This release marks a significant point for Double Fine as it navigates its future independently after Xbox's restructuring. The restructuring, announced in July, saw several studios, including Double Fine and Compulsion Games, return to independent operations while retaining ownership of their intellectual property. Double Fine confirmed layoffs affecting approximately a quarter of its 90-person staff were necessary to achieve a sustainable operational size during this transition.