Thimbleweed Park 2 secures unconventional funding

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Ron Gilbert turned down traditional publisher deals and found a private investor to fund the Thimbleweed Park sequel.

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Thimbleweed Park 2 is in development under an unusual funding model for the industry. Ron Gilbert, the series’ creator, revealed that the sequel will be financed by a private investor, outside the traditional publisher system.

Gilbert explained that he chose to avoid publishers because he disagrees with some of the terms commonly used in such deals. In his view, there is nothing wrong with a publisher recouping its investment, but revenue sharing often continues to favor the company even after costs have been covered. The developer also criticized contracts in which the studio receives anything only if the game becomes a major success.

The opportunity arose when a friend got in touch to say that someone outside the industry wanted to fund a project. The investor had the money, liked adventure games and was a fan of Thimbleweed Park. Gilbert was cautious because he had received similar offers in the past, but decided to ask for the interested party’s email address.

After that, the developer prepared what he considered a realistic budget covering two years of production. The figure was higher than the US$ 1 million budget for the first game, both to account for inflation and to allow the team to receive better pay than on the previous project.

The investor approved the plan, and the two reached an agreement on all the terms. According to Gilbert, the contract provides for a quick recoupment of the investment and a split considered reasonable after that. The structure also avoids the terms he considers unfair in traditional negotiations.

The idea for the sequel was partly inspired by the reaction to the first game’s ending, although Gilbert has not revealed any details to avoid spoilers. He said he brainstormed, wrote a one-page story and began developing the concept.

Thimbleweed Park 2 has been announced for Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and iOS. The source does not provide a release date.

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