Thimbleweed Park 2 is officially in development, thanks to an unconventional funding arrangement involving a wealthy fan of the original game. Creator Ron Gilbert explained in a recent interview that he sought to avoid traditional publishing routes due to past negative experiences.
Gilbert stated that while publishers are typically interested in recouping their investments, they often demand the majority of profits even after becoming whole, or impose terms that penalize titles not deemed major hits. These conditions made acceptable deals difficult to secure when he first considered a follow-up to Thimbleweed Park. He also expressed a desire to steer clear of another crowdfunding campaign.
The project found its path forward when a friend introduced Gilbert to a private investor who was a significant admirer of adventure games and Thimbleweed Park specifically. Initially skeptical, Gilbert eventually connected with the benefactor and presented a detailed budget for Thimbleweed Park 2, which is reportedly higher than the $1 million spent on the original title.
The investor agreed to the terms, which Gilbert described as significantly fairer than publisher agreements. Under this arrangement, the investor is expected to recoup their investment swiftly, after which profits will be split on reasonable terms. This private funding model bypasses the typical publisher relationship, allowing for more favorable conditions for the development team.
Despite the niche audience for point-and-click adventures, Gilbert pointed to Thimbleweed Park's enduring sales, noting that the game continues to sell nearly a decade after its release. This sustained performance indicates a dedicated audience for the genre. He anticipates Thimbleweed Park 2 will be released in early 2028.