Double Fine's New Game is a Goofy Bus Slapping Sim

Double Fine's Thank You Bus Driver: A Post-Xbox Indie Bus Simulation Game

Thank You Bus Driver is a goofy job simulation game developed by the once again independent studio Double Fine. It is the studio's first game announced following its split from Xbox, and it tasks players with driving passengers to their destinations while slapping them if they break the rules. The game belongs to the simulation and arcade genre, solving the problem of mundane transit work by adding comedic, rule-enforcing gameplay mechanics.

Key Facts

What Is Thank You Bus Driver?

Thank You Bus Driver is a very silly job sim where you drive passengers to their destinations, and slap them if they break the rules. It is a goofy bus-driving sim focused on rule enforcement and passenger transport, created by Double Fine as their first independent project after leaving Xbox.

According to the source, the game was announced a couple of months after Double Fine parted ways from Xbox. The studio has been busy since the split, also launching a game jam Kickstarter that includes Brutal Legend 2 as a stretch goal.

Double Fine's first game post-Xbox split is a goofy bus-driving sim all about slapping passengers who don't follow the rules and doing a good job.

How Does the Gameplay Work in Thank You Bus Driver?

The gameplay centers on a job simulation where the player operates a bus, transporting passengers to their intended destinations. The primary comedic twist is the ability to slap passengers who break the rules, adding a disciplinary layer to the standard driving simulation format.

The source describes the game as a "very silly job sim" and a "goofy bus-driving sim." The core loop involves both driving and passenger management, where rule enforcement is a key mechanic. Specific details on the types of rules passengers can break or the consequences of slapping them are not detailed in the source material.

Thank You Bus Driver combines standard bus driving with a slap-based rule enforcement mechanic, creating a comedic job simulation experience.

What Is the Connection Between Thank You Bus Driver and Brutal Legend 2?

The connection is indirect but tied to Double Fine's recent Kickstarter campaign. The source notes that Double Fine launched a game jam Kickstarter that has Brutal Legend 2 as a stretch goal, with that stretch goal set at $100 million.

While Thank You Bus Driver is the announced first game post-Xbox, the Brutal Legend 2 stretch goal is part of a separate Kickstarter initiative. The source suggests the studio is "all in" on making Brutal Legend 2 if the funding goal is met, though the $100 million figure is presented as a notably high target.

The $100 million stretch goal for Brutal Legend 2 is part of a separate game jam Kickstarter, distinct from the announcement of Thank You Bus Driver.

Who Is This For?

This game is for players who enjoy comedic simulation games and arcade-style driving experiences. It targets an audience that appreciates silly, rule-based gameplay mechanics and the irreverent humor associated with Double Fine's game design.

The ideal user is a fan of job sims who wants a less serious, more humorous take on the genre. The slap mechanic suggests a focus on lighthearted, chaotic fun rather than realistic simulation. The game's "goofy" descriptor indicates it is designed for entertainment over authenticity, appealing to players who value humor in their gaming experiences.

Thank You Bus Driver is designed for players seeking a comedic, goofy take on the job simulation genre, prioritizing humor over realistic transit simulation.

Common Questions

Is Thank You Bus Driver the first game Double Fine announced after leaving Xbox?

Yes, the source confirms that Thank You Bus Driver is the studio's first game announced post-Xbox split. The announcement came a couple of months after Double Fine parted ways from Xbox, marking their return to independent game development.

What is the $100 million stretch goal mentioned in the source?

The $100 million figure is the stretch goal for Brutal Legend 2 in Double Fine's game jam Kickstarter. The source notes that this stretch goal exists, though the article suggests ignoring the fact that it is set at $100 million, implying it is an extremely high target.

What is the core gameplay mechanic of Thank You Bus Driver?

The core mechanic is driving passengers to their destinations while slapping them if they break the rules. It is described as a very silly job sim, combining bus driving with comedic rule enforcement actions.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Rock Paper Shotgun article titled "Double Fine's first game post-Xbox split is a goofy bus-driving sim all about slapping passengers who don't follow the rules and doing a good job," published at the source URL provided. The article also references a linked Rock Paper Shotgun article regarding the Brutal Legend 2 Kickstarter stretch goal.

All facts, quotes, and figures are derived directly from the provided source material. No external data was added. Specific details such as release date, price, and platform compatibility are unknown as they were not included in the source text. This article was last updated on [current date].