Double Fine Unveils Kiln: A Multiplayer Pottery Party Brawler

Following the atmospheric release of Keeper, indie developer Double Fine is pivoting to a completely different genre. The studio recently unveiled Kiln, a title that promises to blend artistic expression with chaotic competition.

Announced during the latest Xbox Developer Direct, the game immediately captured attention with its unconventional premise. It is described as an "online multiplayer pottery party brawler," a phrase that founder Tim Schaefer famously struggled to articulate quickly.

This new project marks a significant shift in tone for the studio, moving from solitary exploration to vibrant, social interaction. The announcement suggests that Double Fine is continuing its trend of exploring diverse, smaller-scale projects.

The core experience of Kiln is divided into two distinct phases: creation and destruction. The first phase allows players to engage in a detailed pottery-making simulator, offering a surprising amount of depth for a party game.

Players can design ceramic vessels ranging from delicate saucers to massive vats. The development team has modeled the mechanics to mimic the real-world processes of throwing on the wheel, providing a tactile and immersive creation experience.

Personalization is a key component of the design phase. Beyond shaping the clay, participants can apply various glazes and stickers to their creations, ensuring that every vessel is unique before it enters the arena.

• Design vessels from small saucers to large vats.
• Simulate real pottery techniques on the wheel.
• Customize with glazes and decorative stickers.

Once the pottery is fired and ready, the game shifts gears to its competitive multiplayer mode known as Quench. This mode draws inspiration from classic capture-the-flag mechanics but adds a unique ceramic twist.

Teams must transport water using their custom-designed vessels to the enemy's kiln. The objective is to successfully douse the flames of the opposing team's kiln before they can extinguish yours.

Strategy plays a vital role in these matches. Different vessel shapes and sizes possess distinct attack capabilities for smashing opponent ceramics. This mechanic encourages teams to build a balanced composition of offensive and defensive pottery types.

Kiln is an "online multiplayer pottery party brawler" that boasts exactly the sort of colorful, clever fun that fans have come to expect from the studio.

Kiln is shaping up to be a highly anticipated release for the coming year. The developers have confirmed a launch window of Spring 2026, giving players plenty of time to practice their clay-slinging skills.

The game will be widely accessible across current-generation hardware. It is confirmed for release on both Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, as well as PC via Steam.

For Xbox users, the title will be available through subscription services at launch. This includes availability on Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing for immediate access without a separate purchase.

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X/S
• PC (Steam)
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Double Fine continues to solidify its reputation for innovative game design with the announcement of Kiln. By merging the meditative art of pottery with the high-energy chaos of a party brawler, the studio is creating a unique niche in the multiplayer market.

The combination of deep customization and strategic team-based combat offers a fresh take on the genre. As the Spring 2026 release date approaches, anticipation builds for this colorful and clever new title.

Players eager for a creative yet competitive experience should keep a close eye on further updates regarding Kiln as it moves toward launch.