Double Fine's releasing its next game, Thank You Bus Driver, just months after splitting from Xbox

eurogamer.net Sep 28, 2026

Double Fine’s releasing its next game, Thank You Bus Driver, just months after splitting from Xbox

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 28, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Double Fine announced that its first title since regaining independence from Xbox, the driving simulation Thank You Bus Driver, will launch on PC storefronts—including Steam, GOG and itch.io—on 14 October. The game tasks players with ferrying passengers within a time limit while humorously enforcing rules by slapping riders with elongated arms, blending chaotic bus‑driving with mechanics reminiscent of Paper, Please. The release marks the debut of Double Fine Action Labs, a new label for experimental projects, and follows Xbox’s recent corporate restructuring that spun off five first‑party studios and plans to cut roughly 3,200 jobs. Founder Tim Schafer expressed support for Microsoft’s Game Pass, noting no hard feelings after the split and emphasizing the studio’s intent to deliver quirky experiences quickly.

💡 Why It Matters

· By launching under Action Labs, Double Fine proves indie‑style agility can thrive even after a high‑profile studio split, offering a test case for rapid, low‑budget releases on multiple PC platforms.

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Amid PS5 Pro shortage, Sony implements a lottery system in Japan that…

Sony announced a lottery system in Japan for the PS5 Pro, requiring participants to have at least 60 hours of playtime on a Sony account between September 27, 2024, and September 27, 2026. Eligible gamers can apply from September 27 until October 7, with winners notified on October 26. Successful lottery winners must complete purchase by November 2, or their spot will be re‑drawn. The system aims to address ongoing supply shortages caused by a global RAM shortage and high demand for the upgraded console.

💡 The lottery underscores Sony’s attempt to curb scalping and prioritize loyal users amid persistent component shortages, potentially setting a precedent for future console releases.

playstationlifestyle.net · Sep 28

The Witcher 3 Remastered Patch Notes Detail PlayStation 5 Enhancements & New…

The Witcher 3 Remastered patch notes released ahead of the September 29 launch reveal extensive PlayStation 5 upgrades and gameplay refinements. The update confirms support for PS5 Pro and introduces multithreaded rendering, boosting frame rates and stability. Visuals receive higher‑quality lighting, enhanced grass and foliage shading, and a refined motion‑blur effect for a more cinematic feel. Gameplay changes include a reorganized skill tree with three ranks per ability and prerequisite‑based unlocking, plus renamed skills for clarity. Equipment can be reforged for appearance without altering stats, and new crafting diagrams unlock looks. Combat sees polished monster behavior, improved target‑lock switching, and smoother mounting animations. UI upgrades add a time‑lapse meditation screen, customizable minimap filters, an Accessibility menu, and expanded Photo Mode options.

💡 Leveraging PS5 Pro hardware and multithreaded rendering, the remaster delivers a smoother, more immersive experience that raises the performance bar for legacy RPGs on next‑gen consoles.

windowscentral.com · Sep 28

Heroes of the Storm gets its first new hero in six years

Blizzard announced the addition of Xal’atath, a new ranged assassin, to Heroes of the Storm, marking the first hero release in almost six years and bringing the roster to 91 characters. The update launches on September 28 with Twitch drops that reward viewers with gold, loot chests and an Epic Deadly Chaos Wolf based on watch time through October 5. Xal’atath’s kit features a void‑themed trait, a Shadow Mark ability, a Dark Heart Ritual, a triangular blink called Void Step, and two heroic abilities that summon void orbs and minions. The hero is priced at $7.99 and will become purchasable with in‑game gold later in the year, likely by late November. Blizzard also hinted at further content in blog post.

💡 Introducing a new hero after a six‑year gap revitalizes player engagement and signals Blizzard’s renewed investment in the aging MOBA.

gamesradar.com · Sep 28

When does the new Gears of War come out?

Xbox Game Studios announced that the Gears of War E‑Day title will launch worldwide at 3 p.m. UTC on October 1, with pre‑orders granting early access five days earlier on September 26. All players can pre‑install the game from September 29, ensuring a ready download at launch. Those without pre‑orders, or playing via Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, will gain access on October 6 at the same global times. The release is exclusive to Xbox and PC, with no PlayStation availability.

💡 The staggered early‑access window rewards loyal fans and incentivizes pre‑orders, while the simultaneous global launch eliminates time‑zone exploits, setting a new standard for cross‑platform release strategy.

ign.com · Sep 28

Minecraft Dungeons 2 Review

Minecraft Dungeons 2 delivers a brief, lightweight ARPG experience that expands on its 2020 predecessor with modest improvements such as character customization, a jump mechanic, and a new Sift realm. The game maintains a stripped‑down buildcrafting system, offering limited armor slots and simplified loot, which keeps gameplay approachable but shallow. Players navigate dungeons, defeat Illager enemies, and collect loot, but the narrative remains thin and the action quickly feels repetitive. The sequel’s enhancements are welcome, yet the overall experience remains forgettable.

💡 The title’s minimal evolution underscores the challenge of innovating within a beloved franchise’s established formula. It highlights how incremental tweaks can satisfy casual players while failing to captivate those seeking deeper progression or storytelling.

gamesradar.com · Sep 28

New Steam hit has us wondering if we’re “playing the same game”…

Dressmaker, an indie dress‑making simulation released on Steam last week, has quickly become a standout title for PC gamers, earning 98% “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews. The game’s bead‑by‑bead crafting system allows players to recreate iconic artworks such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night and the Mona Lisa, sparking viral social‑media posts and a vibrant community of designers. With its accessible gameplay loop and high creative potential, the title is drawing both fashion enthusiasts and newcomers, boosting player numbers and engagement.

💡 The rapid rise of Dressmaker demonstrates how niche creative tools can capture mainstream attention, reshaping expectations for indie game quality and community engagement.