The case of Double Fine's Amnesia Fortnight inspired Stacking and Costume Quest games is an odd one. While the Tim Schafer headed company held onto the IP rights for both games, the publisher, THQ, retained some distribution rights, which went up for sale when THQ itself declared bankruptcy. Ultimately Nordic Games picked up the licenses, but now it seems that Double Fine has stolen them back, in a business deal of some kind.
“I am pleased that we have regained full control over Costume Quest and Stacking, following a daring and top-secret midnight raid on the Nordic Games headquarters in Vienna,” said Double Fine president and CEO Tim Schafer. Clearly the raid didn't quite go to plan though, as during it Mr Schafer was suckered in by the geniuses over at Nordic Games, into signing up to let Nordic distribute it.
“Ha, showed those guys… wait…”
Nordic is understandably pretty pleased with this news itself, having secured a deal to make money from something it held only tentative rights over in the first place. “We can’t wait to partner with Double Fine for this upcoming retail launch of three of its most excellent games,” said the CEO of Nordic Games, Lars Wingefors. The third, being the cult classic, Psychonauts.
All three games will receive a full retail launch, meaning boxes, manuals and actual cover art.
KitGuru Says: If you're still a fan of physical media, this could be a great collectible time for Double Fine supporters.