Ron Gilbert, co-creator of the adventure game Thimbleweed Park, has revealed the unconventional funding method behind its upcoming sequel, Thimbleweed Park 2. Instead of pursuing traditional publishing deals, Gilbert opted for a private investor, citing significant frustrations with the terms typically offered by modern publishers.

Speaking with Bloomberg, Gilbert expressed his dissatisfaction with how many publishing agreements are structured. "I don’t mind the publisher earning back their money. It’s just that once they have earned back their money and become whole, they still want the majority of the money," he explained. "Or there are really goofy terms, like you don’t make anything unless it’s a major hit. I always felt that was unfair."

Gilbert conceived the idea for the sequel partly as a response to the reception of the original game's ending. He described a sudden inspiration where he wrote a one-page story that formed the basis for the sequel. Following this, a friend connected him with an individual outside the gaming industry who was reportedly wealthy, fond of adventure games, and a fan of Thimbleweed Park. Gilbert, while initially cautious due to past experiences, shared his contact information.

He then prepared a detailed budget for two years of development, which exceeded the $1 million budget of the original game to account for inflation and provide better compensation for the development team. The investor reviewed the budget and terms, ultimately agreeing to a deal that Gilbert described as significantly fairer. "This deal is a lot more fair in that he gets whole very quickly, and then it’s a reasonable split."

This arrangement has drawn parallels to an earlier era of game development, where affluent patrons might fund artistic projects based on personal taste. Gilbert mused that in the current climate of funding challenges, such private, taste-driven investments might become more common. The development of Thimbleweed Park 2 is proceeding with this private backing, offering an alternative to the standard publishing model.