During the latest Xbox Developer Direct, Double Fine made a surprise appearance to debut Kiln, a whimsical and high-energy multiplayer brawler that turns the art of pottery into a competitive contact sport.
Born from Double Fine’s renowned “Amnesia Fortnight” internal game jam, Kiln centers on a cycle of creative construction and frantic demolition. Players are invited to sculpt their own ceramic combatants before entering an arena to shatter their rivals’ handiwork. The game features various objective-based challenges, such as “Quench” mode, where players must transport water to douse the opposing team’s furnace. The strategic, lane-based gameplay evokes the spirit of titles like Splatoon or traditional MOBAs, but with a distinctively clay-covered twist.
The game offers a robust suite of sculpting tools, allowing for deep customization. Interestingly, the physical shape of a vessel dictates its utility in battle; the game’s detection system recognizes specific forms like plates, bowls, and cups, granting them unique properties. For instance, a plate might specialize in hurling projectiles, while smaller, more agile cups can navigate narrow passages inaccessible to larger opponents. The battlegrounds are equally eclectic, spanning everything from neon-lit dance floors to ancient ruins.
Kiln is slated to launch in Spring 2026 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Double Fine has also confirmed that a beta phase is in the works, with more specific details regarding registration and dates expected in the coming months.
