Originally showcased during Xbox’s Developer Direct, Kiln is the latest whimsical creation from Double Fine, the acclaimed studio behind Psychonauts. True to the developer’s reputation, the game is bursting with color, charm, and a quirky sense of humor. However, Kiln marks a departure from their recent narrative-driven solo adventures, pivoting instead toward competitive multiplayer. In this “pottery brawler,” players sculpt their own warriors, apply glazes, fire them in a kiln, and then send their fragile masterpieces into high-stakes combat where clay shards fly in every direction.
The wait to enter the arena is almost over. Double Fine has announced that Kiln will officially launch on April 23. PC players will have an even earlier opportunity to test their craftsmanship during a Steam open beta scheduled for early April.
The open beta window is set for Thursday, April 9, through Saturday, April 11. As is standard for these events, downloading the beta is free, and participants will be rewarded with an exclusive in-game trophy for helping test the game’s infrastructure. To gain access, players will need to register via the game’s Steam page, where a sign-up button is expected to appear in the coming days.
In a post on Xbox Wire, community manager Rocia Salas detailed the studio’s objectives for the testing phase:
“We’re taking this open beta as an opportunity to not only test out our servers, but to see what resonates with players and what the Kiln team should be prioritizing next. We have a lot of possibilities with a game like Kiln—more customization, more maps, more modes—and, as much as we want to add everything we can to the game, we want to see what you, the players want the most.”
Upon its full release, Kiln will be priced at $19.99 for the standard edition. For enthusiasts looking for extra flair, a “Fired Up” Deluxe Edition will be available for $29.99, which bundles together various cosmetic items and a head start on in-game currency. You can preview the contents of the premium edition in the image below.
Kiln is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on April 23. If you’re looking for more Double Fine magic while you wait, be sure to revisit the studio’s surreal previous title, Keeper.
