Ron Gilbert, creator of the iconic Monkey Island series and the inventive game The Cave, is leaving Double Fine Productions. At Double Fine, he collaborated with his long-time friend and Monkey Island partner in crime, Tim Schafer. The departure is entirely amicable and seems to be motivated solely by Gilbert’s desire to explore new opportunities and creative ventures.
“It’s time for me to move on from Double Fine and plot my next move,” he said.
Reflecting on The Cave
Gilbert expressed his gratitude towards the team at Double Fine for their dedication and hard work on The Cave. “I want to thank all the amazing people at Double Fine for all their hard work on The Cave,” he said. “It was a true pleasure to work with every one of them over the past two years. So much fun. I will miss them all. And of course to Tim for creating the opportunity to come there and make The Cave.”
The Cave, released in 2013, is a puzzle-platform adventure game that received praise for its unique storytelling and engaging gameplay. The game allows players to control three characters from a selection of seven, each with their own unique abilities and backstories. The characters explore a sentient, talking cave filled with puzzles and mysteries. The game’s narrative and design reflect Gilbert’s signature humor and creativity, which have been hallmarks of his career.
The Journey to Double Fine
Gilbert’s journey to Double Fine was driven by a shared passion for game development and a specific project. “It wasn’t ‘Hey, come to Double Fine.’ It was ‘Come to Double Fine and make The Cave,'” according to Gilbert. “I was telling him [Tim Schafer] about The Cave and he really liked it, so he said ‘come to Double Fine and make it. It was really all about making that game.”
This collaboration was a natural extension of the duo’s long-standing professional relationship and mutual respect. Gilbert and Schafer first worked together at Lucasfilm Games (now LucasArts), where they co-created the beloved Monkey Island series. Their partnership has been marked by a shared vision for innovative and humorous storytelling in games.
What’s Next for Ron Gilbert?
As Gilbert moves on from Double Fine, the gaming community is eager to see what he will create next. His departure opens the door for new projects and collaborations that could further enrich the gaming landscape. Gilbert has a history of pushing the boundaries of game design and storytelling, and his future endeavors are sure to be highly anticipated.
Gilbert’s decision to leave Double Fine is a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the gaming industry. Creators often seek new challenges and opportunities to express their creativity. This move allows Gilbert to explore fresh ideas and potentially bring new and exciting games to life.
In conclusion, Ron Gilbert’s departure from Double Fine marks the end of a significant chapter in his career but also the beginning of a new one. His contributions to the gaming industry, particularly through games like Monkey Island and The Cave, have left an indelible mark. Fans and colleagues alike will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what innovative projects he undertakes next.
Source Grumpy Gamer, Eurogamer
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