Double Fine PsychOdyssey · EP16: “Written into a Corner”

Double Fine PsychOdyssey Blu-ray Set now available for pre-order from Limited Run Games
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Episode 16: “Written into a Corner”
A new art manager is hired to help smooth out the relationship between the art and design teams.
Download versions hosted by the Internet Archive
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Stream and purchase the soundtrack by Orange Drink
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Original music by Orange Drink
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Opening credits design and animation by Michael Firman
michaelfirman.com
Post production audio by Steve Jenkins
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Visit the official Double Fine website for more info
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About the series
2 Player Productions and Double Fine Productions present Double Fine PsychOdyssey, an unprecedented documentary experience seven years in the making.
Ten years after the release of their flagship video game Psychonauts, Double Fine Productions returns to its most celebrated franchise with Psychonauts 2. Now facing the pressure to produce a worthy sequel, the studio must confront overly ambitious designs, poor morale, technical challenges and financial woes, all during a turbulent span of time for the world.
Double Fine PsychOdyssey is the direct continuation of the acclaimed series Double Fine Adventure, and offers even deeper insight into the passion, humor, and heartbreak of video game development.
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Series by 2 Player Productions with the participation and support of Double Fine Productions.
2 Player Productions was:
Paul Owens - Showrunner, Director, Editor, Camera Operator
Paul Levering - Executive Producer, Line Producer, Online Editor, Colorist, Camera Operator, Production Sound Mixer, Digital Imaging Technician, Title Design
Asif Siddiky - Director of Photography, Camera Operator
Renat Sirbaev - Editor (Ep 23 & 32), Co-Editor (Ep 24 & 30), Associate Editor, Dialogue Editor, Captioner, Production Assistant
Steve Jenkins - Sound Designer, Sound Mixer, Production Sound Mixer (Ep 12 & 26), Title Design, Dialogue Editor
Drew Prusko // Orange Drink - Original Music, Camera Operator (Ep 12)
Michael Firman - Series Art & Animation
For Double Fine Productions:
Tim Schafer - President & CEO
James Spafford - Director of Marketing and Communications
Victor Romero - Release Manager and Production Assistance
Aaron Hayes - Tech Support
Tom Kiss - Website and Additional Title Design
Harper Jay MacIntyre - Content and Community Manager
Special Thanks:
Michele Baggio and the team at Instamic
Jason Scott and the team at the Internet Archive
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The first series - Double Fine Adventure!
• Double Fine Adventure!

[@_g_r_m_]

The first scene, when they are dead serious in the sprint meeting and there are people dressed in the most ridiculous ways, is pure gold.

[@gibberfish]

james' costume 10/10. his milk is delicious

[@bross92]

The comments for this video are super on point. Everything about James’ projects just seems a recipe for disaster 1) First time developing these kinds of levels, in a lead role, both of which are new for him, without a lot of guidance / support 2) Being given the worst amount of information to base a level off; too little to do something really deep and meaningful feeling with the character, but too much (the name, base level description) to just “make whatever super cool psychonauts level you want” 3) Zaks management style. I don’t think it’s flat out toxic, but he is a VERY stressed man who expresses his stress and anxiety outward quite often. Those kinds of bosses are really hard to work with because you feel like they can’t “handle” something not going in a good direction 4) Related, he keeps getting negative focused constructive criticism, which is NOT a bad thing in of itself , but there’s no positive affirmation mixed in on a regular basis. Part of being a manager is reading employee emotions and finding what will support the staff the most individually

[@xcaiusto]

Yeah, I think Double Fine way of doing things is nice, you can see there's not much seniority going on and they're very open to each other ideas, that's how James got into this position. On the other hand, Zaks has a more serious approach, and probably because of how the project started (very slow because they didn't have a team) James as the new guy got into a position he wasn't quite ready at the time to take charge, but Zaks wants things done so he doesn't have patience for the ideas to mature because of how the months they "lost". He seems like a good guy who can push things forward, but can't notice the toll it's taking on James inexperience.

[@CosmicTavern]

It does seem like a great opportunity for James though. He's getting a lot of experience after being thrown into the fire, as they say.

[@ReverendTed]

On the one hand, I'm curious how much of the narrative here is shaped by the editing, but when James comes out and says it here that does seem to suggest we're getting a representation of the overall arc.

[@DavidSGrop]

I feel really bad for James. He's clearly one of those good-natured guys who smiles through everything but you can that on the inside he's stressed as shit.

[@bolicob]

like me fr fr

[@christopherlundgren1700]

James's Milkman costume is everything.

[@Madison-ur2qn]

Everyone talking about how James is struggling- yeah but he is also the one who pitched and developed Hollis as she appears in game! Look at all that work that DID carry over! Iteration! Iteration! Iteration!

[@dommernation1343]

James is the man. The poker chips falling over and cards pushing out looked incredible. Its a shame he gets so much push back

[@ladypipflemmbini4133]

I just want to appreciate how much of a boss Lisette is. Absolute queen.

[@FishboneINK]

She won me over with how hard she laughed at Tim's little "crepuscular" side-eye. 31:50 Such a great moment!

[@grahamwalker2168]

She's great ❤

[@YouKnowThatGuySeth]

James is doing his best, and we can feel that. He is currently my underdog hero of this doc, I can see he has some great ideas, but they are not getting a fair shake. I've been there, where your idea just needs a bit more support to get over the line of clarity. From what is shown, the criticism he receives isn't positively constructive, but hindering... and seeing him feel isolated kills me. James, we got your back (be it 3-4 years too late)!

[@nutritional_yeet]

I think it's kind of a genius idea to have filmed this whole development process and hopefully helps people understand how difficult and involved game dev is and why it isn't a bad thing when games get delayed.

[@HavingFunTimes]

cant believe I got to episode 16 and only just realised the intro changes every time

[@deleteTF]

I feel sorry for James. He has been put in a lead position with no experience, and you can tell that he is often way out of his depth, especially when Tim hasn't written enought details about the brains to make something super concrete. Zak criticism might make him come off as negative, but I don't think that's the case, when the bonsai theme got pitched for Bob-Z, Zak was really excited and was rooting for James to make it work, even if Tim and other employees weren't that impressed. If it wasn't Zak, there would be someone else putting pressure on James, the real problem is the job requires more than he can handle right now.

[@kacman11]

i don't think anyone's in the wrong, I think this is just the types of creative strains that come about when youre making something *this* conceptually complex - unrelated but love the multi-year dedication to including tim reacting to zak's insane word choices/grammar corrections lmao

[@exploding_cat3336]

27:33 the foreshadowing is hilarious

[@CosmicTavern]

"We don't have a blank check from Microsoft." You do now! haha. Bring on Grim Fandango 2!

[@hartertobak2186]

I searched the comments for exactly this timestamp - and found it. I can not hide the smile on my face :)

[@intense79nick]

I was so confused, thought I missed a few episodes lmao.

[@rick-deckard]

😂

[@moeezS]

Always enjoy when Lisette is featured. She dealt well with what James was going through, offering him empathy and guidance on how to deal with seeking help and confrontations.

[@udadni]

I first discovered this through the amnesia fortnight movie from later in the series, and I've been waiting excitedly for Lisette to appear. I really admire her leadership style

[@cantpause]

I love that the doc shows the tough parts around communication and development. I've been on both sides where it feels like you're getting a little too much tough love and not enough support in your projects. So as a result you feel the need to do everything yourself without asking questions. On the other hand I get where Zak is coming from where you've been doing something long enough to the point where you know where the team or a project needs to be at and you're just not getting there. It's important to figure out how to motivate without being overly critical though.

[@irvingwashingtonable]

So when they hired James as a junior level designer, I went "Oh that totally makes sense, build up new talent working under an experienced person below Zak." but that's not at all what seems to have happened? Was it just a resourcing issue where they didn't have an experienced designer on staff? Zak is lead designer there's no way he'd be able to handle the day to day mentoring of junior staff, why wasn't James under someone who could help him?

[@JamesMarionDesign]

haha weird right

[@pineapples10]

Just got to episode 19. So happy to see them address the difficult situation they put James in. This whole documentary is such a great example of the difficulties of doing creative work. Really happy with how the process seemed to change after this episode.

[@PeanutButterEnthusiast]

@@JamesMarionDesign We love you James! Almost as much as I love peanut butter

[@Zorklis]

@@JamesMarionDesign haha wild James Marion has appeared.. even if I'm 1 year late. Gonna be interesting to finish this first time binge watch

[@DonNerdleone]

@@JamesMarionDesignYou were great, dude.

[@EmotionTheory]

I don't want to dunk on Zak - I actually think he really knows his stuff and has an encyclopedic knowledge of games and he's clearly coming from experience. But when James said that Zak was difficult to deal with because his energy is so negative and frustrating, I really felt it. I felt it since day 1. I actually remember 7 years ago when the first playable was teased and Zak was introduced that I just had some unsavoury vibes. It was very intriguing to hear James open up so authentically about his experience with him. I'm glad this documentary has the capacity to show such sincerity. I'm not hating on Zak! I'm just echoing the feelings that James expressed and I really feel for the guy. I do hope the team finds their footing and confidence and that they get along in the end

[@homtherobot]

100% feel you on this. I've been wondering when someone is finally going to call him out. His experience and knowledge are clear and I think all of his criticism is coming from a valid place, but I have been really feeling for the people on the receiving end of it due to how it's delivered.

[@fatherofthepigeons2854]

Like how I was just randomly jumpscared by the milkman as I turn back to my screen.

[@ChrisLT]

I wasn't ready for that cut at 2:00.

[@HadoukenPen]

You can absolutely lead a project and be firm and to the point and also be uplifting and morale boosting, it's about striking the right balance and I think Zak's stress and own self pressure gets the better of him. James seemed set up to fail imo, he needed more support.

[@grahamwalker2168]

Just to say that the cutting of this is impeccable. Got some amazing footage and have used it so well ❤

[@sandwich2473]

Aww James ;-; I want to give him a big hug

[@JamesMarionDesign]

thanks

[@pclm]

We're all James.

[@DaBigBase]

I felt his deep sigh in the earlier episode in my bones

[@samuelteyssier9198]

“We don’t have a blank check from Microsoft”… Just wait about two years friend lol

[@rudeboyspodcast]

I cracked up at that. They were so optimistic about Starbreeze and then Microsoft of all people were the ones to bail em out.

[@Antidoxy]

23:18 I'd like to confirm, this did hit! ❤ loved those art pieces!

[@ZachyNY]

27:33 "we don't have a blank check from Mircrosoft" great foreshadowing lol

[@MrGreenToS]

34:12 Knowing he's talking about their walking dead game that got pulled later on is sad to look back on, him not realizing what will happen.

[@zachrodan7543]

22:28 what are those hilarious placeholder jump vocalizations!

[@mononoke721]

"We don't have a blank cheque from Microsoft" - Looking into my crystal ball, I foresee a change in the futuuuuuuurrrrrree...

[@FindTheFun]

I'm a game designer myself. The level designer always gets the brunt of criticism. You are the one taking everyone's assets they've modeled and programmed and using them in the level. It's like you're taking everyone's baby's from them and using them the wrong way. Criticism is the most important part of design though. A good designer develops a thick skin and tries not to get too emotionally attached to anything they do. Zak is actually one of the chillest leads I've ever seen on a game. If you think this is bad, there's a reason EA and Ubisoft don't make docs like this. They are hellholes where creativity goes to die and crunch is a constant.

[@nathanwalker4969]

I always hear Starbreeze as "Starburrys"

[@TheFinnGamer]

I even googled starburies when I first heard it and it is a sneaker company which made me even more confused

[@misteryA555]

I thought they were saying Strawberries until this very episode

[@curtisbme]

@@misteryA555 I feel like they were/are. Maybe when they were saying it in bad code before the deal was done and kept saying or in light jest. They were astutely using three syllables, not the two of StarBreeze.

[@Calum_Chrystal]

“It’s not like we have a blank check from Microsoft” lol, little did he know

[@EriksBlue]

"we dont have a blank check from microsoft" that foreshadowing lol

[@Glompasaurus]

He Is The Milk Man His Milk Is Delicious

[@musamatheslim6617]

I don't have a creative job but I've so been where James was, sucks so hard when you have a supervisor/manager who's feels that unapproachable and unsupportive

[@Extragear-gv8qq]

Awesome

[@cactusbuds2979]

I am the milkman. My milk is delicious!

[@wallacelovecraft8942]

Nice episode.

[@benvegan3364]

Have been absolutely LOVING this documentary, but I really don't like the level of bullying that James is experiencing from everyone. They are always having fun at his expense and it reminds me of being in high school, it's not nice and it's not necessary.

[@paulsmith9192]

James was clean shaven in the beginning and now hes back to a beard.they must of did a few week time jump

[@benmitchinson9831]

31:50 lmao tim

[@DaBigBase]

And Lisette right after!

[@perdidonomercado]

Lisette is awesome!

[@Galaxy613]

"We don't have a blank check from Microsoft" 👀

[@lukemoonwalker8444]

Why is Cappy on the giant TV at 16:21 ?

[@YaBoiBigNutz]

They're talking about psychic abilities in that section, my guess is they were using cappy as an example for what a 'fun power' is

[@raonimarqs]

PAMONHA??? IS THAT A MOTHEREFFING BRAZILIAN REFERENCE???

[@Influx27]

It's so weird to look at the game at this point. So much is so different from the final product.

[@JackieChan173]

Can anyone explain what "representative" means?

[@AsifSiddiky_DF]

This term can mean different things to different teams, but for us, “representative” assets are objects made by the environment artists that actually represent the intent of the whiteboxing phase of a level’s development. So where a designer might have placed a bunch of gray cubes and said, “these are stacks of books that the player will jump along,” the representative assets replace them with something that actually looks like a stack of books. These don’t necessarily mean they’re 100% visually polished and ready to ship, but they bring the level closer to the desired look.

[@JackieChan173]

@@AsifSiddiky_DF Thanks so much for the answer!

[@AfterlifeGames]

Only took 16 episodes to see a black person in the studio. For a second there, I was starting to lose all hope...

[@ZynnLahh]

Family i think dude pops up in a past episode as well, but we're still as rare as a unicorn out here.

[@mauriciowolff8792]

yess that was bugging me out