Spurred on by Microsoft buying Double Fine
Psychonauts 2is getting made because enough people believed in it. Some of those people supported it like a normal crowdfunded game — chip in at a tier and then earn some rewards. But, because it was funded by Fig, others made actual investments. They believed Psychonauts 2would be a success and that they’d earn money by the game selling well.
Those investors will be rewarded, just not the way they thought. Last month, Microsoft announced that it had acquired Double Fine. As a part of that transaction, it also bought the Psychonauts 2publishing rights from Fig. Because of this, Fig will soon disburse dividends to anyone who invested.
In a message that went out to Psychonauts 2investors today, Fig confirmed that it’ll be sending out first and final payments in mid-September. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, each $500 share will see a 139 percent return which amounts to a $196 dividend per share. That rate is actually higher than what Fig originally promised. However, investors no longer have the opportunity to earn more in the event that Psychonauts 2is a wild success. That being said, most of them are probably thrilled to take the guaranteed profit.
Here’s the full statement that was sent to Psychonauts 2investors:
As you may already know, Double Fine has recently announced it is joining the Microsoft family — we are excited for them to start the next stage in their journey of making unique and creative games and can’t wait to see what they do next. As a part of this transition, Microsoft has also purchased Fig’s publishing rights for Psychonauts 2, for a price of $1,035,000, which will provide a positive return to all investors in Fig Game Shares — PSY2 prior to the game even launching! Fig will also be paying out a dividend rate of 85% on the proceeds of this buyout to investors instead of the 70% listed in the offering circular for Fig Game Shares — PSY2.
Our goal has been to get fans involved in the financial funding and growth of the games that they love while providing for the opportunity to also participate in the financial returns. We are thrilled to be able to provide a positive return to passionate gamers who so generously contributed to this project! Based on proceeds from this deal, we will be making a first and final dividend of $696.00 per share (a 139% return on each $500 share) around September 18th of this year. As an investor in Fig Game Shares – PSY2, you have helped support Double Fine and the development of Psychonauts 2. The game simply would not be what it is without you.
[Disclaimer:Destructoid’s Darren Nakamura invested in Psychonauts 2‘s Fig campaign; because of this, he has abstained from covering the game.]