Double Fine Announces 'Thank You Bus Driver' Simulator

Double Fine has announced its first game since splitting from Xbox. It is a bus driving simulator called 'Thank You Bus Driver' where players must slap passengers who break the rules.

The studio, now independent again, revealed the title in an announcement covered by Rock Paper Shotgun. The core gameplay involves driving a bus route, picking up and dropping off passengers within a strict time limit. However, the job comes with an unusual duty: enforcing passenger conduct.

The Rules of the Road

Passengers must follow a set of arbitrary rules. These include prohibitions against sleeping, clipping toenails, or being 'stinky'. When a rider breaks a rule, the driver's only recourse is to deliver a slap. This creates a constant tension between managing the bus's schedule and monitoring its occupants.

A rearview mirror allows the driver to keep an eye on the cabin. To actually slap someone, the player must turn their character around, momentarily taking their eyes off the road and risking a crash. New rules can be added at random during a run, requiring constant vigilance.

The Gameplay Loop

The objective is to perform well enough to earn 'thank yous' from passengers. Doing well extends the timer for reaching the next stop. Success also unlocks dashboard trinkets and different town variants to explore. The studio promises 'more' rewards but has not provided specific details.

There is no release date yet for the game. It is available to wishlist on Steam.

The Studio's New Independence

In an interview with Bloomberg, studio head Tim Schafer discussed the split from Xbox. Schafer said that when he realized the studio might be shut down, his initial misery was followed by a defiant thought. He reportedly stated, "No one puts Double Fine out of business except for me." He added, "I’m going to shoot it. But I’m not going to shoot it because it’s going to do great."

The game represents Double Fine's return to its indie roots with a characteristically absurd premise. The central challenge is balancing the mundane task of driving with the chaotic duty of passenger discipline.