Kiln (video game)
| Kiln | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Double Fine |
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios |
| Director | Derek Brand |
| Producer | Farhad Badri |
| Designer | Lauren Scott |
| Artists |
|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Platforms | |
| Release | April 23, 2026 |
| Genres | |
| Mode | Multiplayer |
Kiln is an upcoming team-based pottery party brawler action video game developed by Double Fine Productions and published by Xbox Game Studios. It is scheduled to be released for Windows, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 on April 23, 2026. Originally conceived during the studio's 2014 "Amnesia Fortnight" internal game jam, the project focuses on physics-based combat and character customization centered around the medium of pottery. The official reveal occurred at Xbox Developer Direct on January 22, 2026.[1]
Gameplay
Kiln is an multiplayer pottery party brawler. Players use a virtual pottery wheel to mold "Vessels" clay bodies inhabited by spirits. The game uses a two-button system to pull and squeeze raw clay into shapes such as plates, bottles, cups, or tall vases. These shapes are not purely cosmetic; they determine a character's physics and abilities. For example, a flat plate might act like a hockey puck that ricochets off enemies, while a tall vase can carry more water but is top-heavy and slow. There are 24 distinct shape and size combinations, each providing special attacks like launching popcorn from a cup or slamming down as a heavy cylinder hammer.[2][3]
The primary multiplayer mode is "Quench," a 4v4 competition where teams must collect water and transport it to douse the fire in the opposing team's kiln. Combat is physics-driven, meaning characters chip, crack, and shatter based on the force and angle of impacts rather than pre-set health bars. Outside of matches, players congregate in a social hub called "The Wedge." Here, they can practice in a dojo, decorate their vessels with glazes, handles, and stickers, or trade customization items at a shop run by a dog named Slip.[4][5]
Development
Development of Kiln began during Double Fine's Amnesia Fortnight 2017 internal game jam. Project lead Derek Brand originally pitched the concept as a dark, supernatural brawler involving mountain spirits. After being selected as the "Team Choice" prototype during the jam, it underwent several years of quiet development. During this time, the art direction shifted from the moody tone of the prototype toward a more colorful and playful aesthetic.[6]
The idea remained dormant for several years before being revived and fully developed into a standalone title. The official reveal occurred at Xbox Developer Direct '26 on January 22, 2026, where Double Fine showcased the game, its mechanics, and early design philosophy. The project is led by developer Derek Brand, who helped guide the project from its prototype roots into the forthcoming multiplayer release.[7]
Release
Kiln is set to release on April 23, 2026, on Windows, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.[8] The game will also be made available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on day one. A closed playtest is set to run through April 9th-April 11th.[9]
References
- ^ Valentine, Rebekah (2026-01-22). "Double Fine's Online Multiplayer Pottery Party Brawler Kiln Refires for a Spring Release". IGN. Archived from the original on 2026-02-01. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ^ Christopher Livingston (2026-01-22). "Create beautiful pots and use them to smash your friends to pieces in Double Fine's new 'online multiplayer pottery party brawler'". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 2026-01-22. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ^ Archer, James (2026-01-23). "In Double Fine's "pottery brawler" Kiln, you can skip the fights and just sculpt pots in peace". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Archived from the original on 2026-01-23. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ^ Austin Wood (2026-01-22). "Double Fine's next game is a PvP brawler with pottery-powered team battles and a full social hub, out this spring on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 2026-01-22. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ^ Scullion, Chris (2026-01-22). "Double Fine reveals Kiln, a pottery-based multiplayer party brawler". VGC. Archived from the original on 2026-01-26. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ^ Xbox, Pure (2026-01-22). "Double Fine's 'Kiln' Revealed As The Surprise Game At Xbox Developer Direct 2026". Pure Xbox. Archived from the original on 2026-01-29. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ^ Carcasole, David (2026-01-22). "Double Fine Emerges with the Secret Game in the Xbox Developer Direct 2026, a Pottery Party Brawler, Kiln". Wccftech. Archived from the original on 2026-01-22. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
- ^ "Double Fine's Kiln pops out of the oven and onto PC, Xbox and PS5 on April 23". Engadget. 2026-03-18. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
- ^ Phillips, Tom (2026-03-18). "Kiln, the Next Game From Psychonauts Studio Double Fine, Has an April Launch Date and Steam Open Beta". IGN. Retrieved 2026-03-18.