Double Fine’s Kiln: Releasing April 23 for PC, Xbox, and PS5

Double Fine is set to launch Kiln, described as a "multiplayer online pottery party brawler." This game follows their previous title, Keeper. First revealed during Xbox’s Developer Direct stream in January, Kiln now has a confirmed release date of April 23. It will be available across multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Microsoft has also confirmed that Kiln will feature optimization for handheld devices from its launch.

Gameplay in Kiln revolves around using a virtual pottery wheel to sculpt clay into various vessels, which can then be adorned with decorations. Crucially, the chosen size and shape of your pot directly impact your character's health, water capacity, and speed. For instance, smaller vessels offer quicker attacks, whereas larger, slower vessels may possess greater power. The specific form of the pot – whether a bowl, bottle, or chalice – dictates the unique special ability available to the player. All decorative elements are purely for aesthetic customization.

The primary game mode, 'Quench,' tasks two teams of four with collecting water and being the first to extinguish the opposing team's kiln three times – a mechanic reminiscent of MOBA-style gameplay. Achieving this objective involves strategic challenges. Players will engage in direct combat, attempting to smash enemy vessels while defending their own. Maps feature dynamic elements, such as the ability to create defensive barriers by saturating sponges with water. Another map includes a 'disco dance floor' that temporarily forces players to dance on specific flashing tiles.

While Kiln does not feature integrated in-game voice chat, players can utilize platform-specific party functions or external applications like Discord for communication. An open beta for the game is scheduled to run on Steam from April 9 to April 11, coinciding with the launch of pre-orders. The standard edition of Kiln will be priced at $20. A 'Fired Up' edition, costing $30, offers additional premium cosmetic choices and bonus in-game currency ('chips'), which are otherwise earned solely through gameplay to unlock further customizations.