Double Fine Productions has officially pulled back the curtain on Kiln, a multiplayer team-based party brawler that has been largely absent from public view for nearly a decade. The reveal took place during the recent Xbox Developer Direct showcase, marking the first major update on the project since its initial appearance in 2017. Originally born from an internal prototype, Kiln has resurfaced as a fully realized title that reflects years of iteration and refinement.
From Internal Prototype to Public Reveal
Kiln was first introduced in April 2017 as part of Double Fine’s Amnesia Fortnight, the studio’s annual two-week game jam designed to generate experimental concepts. At the time, the project was presented as a multiplayer brawler centered on player-created characters and physics-driven combat. The idea focused on supernatural Mountain Spirits that shape clay warriors, known as Vessels, to fight on their behalf. Despite early interest, the game saw no meaningful updates for years, aside from occasional prototype images circulating online.
During the Xbox Developer Direct presentation, Double Fine revisited that original concept, reaffirming its roots while demonstrating how the game has evolved. The studio positioned Kiln as a long-term creative effort rather than a shelved experiment, framing the reveal as the culmination of nearly ten years of development and iteration.
Pottery-Based Gameplay and Physics-Driven Combat
At the center of Kiln is a character creation system built around pottery-inspired mechanics. Players shape clay-based characters before entering matches, crafting unique forms that directly affect how those characters move, attack, and interact with the environment. These creations, referred to as Vessels, serve as the physical avatars players control during matches.
Combat takes place in destructible, stylized arenas designed to emphasize physical interaction and improvisation. Characters collide, break apart, and respond dynamically based on their shape and mass, placing an emphasis on physics rather than predefined animations. The gameplay shown highlights team-based matches where creativity and experimentation play a significant role in determining outcomes.
A Return to Double Fine’s Experimental Roots
The reveal image and trailer reinforce Kiln’s visual identity, featuring brightly colored clay characters with exaggerated proportions and expressive animations. Multiple character designs are shown simultaneously, highlighting the wide range of possible shapes players can create. The environments appear playful but reactive, supporting the game’s focus on destruction and physical interaction.
The presentation opened with Double Fine founder Tim Schafer interacting with the pottery mechanics, reinforcing the hands-on creative process at the heart of the game. This approach reflects Double Fine’s broader design philosophy, placing player expression at the center of the experience.
Platforms, Release Window, and Availability
Alongside gameplay, the reveal confirmed Kiln’s release window and supported platforms. The game is scheduled to launch in Spring 2026 and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, and Steam. This confirms Kiln as a multi-platform release rather than an exclusive title.
The image also includes Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Game Pass branding, indicating that Kiln will support cross-entitlement within the Xbox ecosystem and will be available through Xbox Game Pass at launch. This positions the game for broad accessibility across console and PC players.
Where Kiln Fits for Double Fine
As a first-party Xbox Game Studios developer, Double Fine has become known for smaller-scale but distinctive projects alongside its larger releases. Kiln represents a multiplayer-focused entry that differs from the studio’s more narrative-driven titles, while still aligning with its experimental roots. The long development timeline suggests a careful approach aimed at refining its systems rather than rushing the project to market.
With its official reveal complete, Kiln now moves from a long-rumored prototype to a confirmed upcoming release, placing it firmly back on the radar ahead of its planned 2026 launch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Kiln?
Kiln is a multiplayer, team-based brawler developed by Double Fine Productions that focuses on player-created clay characters and physics-driven combat.
When was Kiln first announced?
The game was originally revealed in 2017 during Double Fine’s Amnesia Fortnight internal game jam.
When will Kiln be released?
Kiln is scheduled to release in Spring 2026.
Which platforms will Kiln be available on?
The game is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, and Steam.
Will Kiln be available on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Kiln will be available through Xbox Game Pass at launch and will support Xbox Play Anywhere.
What makes Kiln different from other multiplayer brawlers?
Unlike traditional brawlers, Kiln allows players to sculpt their own characters before matches, with those designs directly influencing movement, combat behavior, and physics interactions.
