It seems industry analysts aren't the only ones questioning the traditional game publishing model these days, as Tim Schafer's Double Fine (Brutal Legend, Costume Quest) has launched a Kickstarter project to crowdsource funding for "a brand-new, downloadable 'Point-and-Click' graphic adventure game for the modern age."

Calling these kind of adventure games "a lost art form" in his Kickstarter introduction video, Schafer, known for adventure titles like Day of the Tentacle and Grim Fandango, said publishers would "laugh in my face" if he pitched such a game these days. He's hoping that by going directly to fans, he can prove there's still a market for old school adventure while also "cut[ting] out the publishers altogether."

The effort looks like an immediate success, as the project passed its $400,000 funding goal in a matter of hours. If funded, $100,000 of that money will be going to the filming of a documentary about the making of the game, while the rest would give the developers "the freedom to experiment, take risks, and design without anyone else compromising their vision."

Backers can pledge a minimum of $15 to get access to the game, planned for release in October. Those who donate more can get special perks like autographed posters, personalized portraits drawn by Double Fine artists, and even a one-of-a-kind lunch with Schafer and Monkey Island creator Ron Gilbert, which has already been claimed.

You might remember that this isn't the first time Schafer has discussed troubles finding funding for the kinds of projects he wants to do—a recent complaint about publishers' lack of interest in a Psychonauts sequel has surprisingly led Double Fine to funding discussions with Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson.