Double Fine: We’re unafraid of open development after Kickstarter

Double Fine’s memorable Kickstarter campaign has taught studio founder Tim Schafer that there’s nothing to fear in being open with the development of a game.

Schafer told VentureBeat that despite popular belief, opening up and letting players in on the development process provides a support net for the in-progress title.

"The Kickstarter thing and the documentary that we’re doing with the Kickstarter has just taught me that there’s nothing to be afraid of," Schafer said. "You release your stuff out. You show a piece of concept art that may or may not be in the game. It doesn’t matter. People are just like, ‘Oh, that’s cool!’”

People get on your side more, not get on your side less. The fear is that if it’s not perfect, you can’t show it to people because they’ll freak out. The fact is, they just feel more bought in. They feel like they’re part of the development team.”

Schafer’s company earned over $3.3m through the crowdfunding site during its adventure game campaign earlier this year – the developer’s original goal was just $400,000.