The studio behind Psychonauts' new game lands April 23 — and yes, it’s launching straight into Xbox Game Pass

Kiln key art
Kiln key art (Image credit: Xbox)

Double Fine’s latest game, Kiln, first announced during Xbox’s January Developer Direct, now has a release date, and it’s closer than expected.

It arrives on April 23, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam. It’s a shame there’s no Nintendo Switch 2 version, as its charm feels like a natural fit for the platform in my opinion.

Everything you need to know about Kiln

Kiln, for those unaware, is Double Fine’s latest game, the studio behind Psychonauts. It’s a multiplayer online party brawler built around pottery, launching on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Cloud, Steam, and PlayStation 5, and it will also be available on Game Pass Ultimate.

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Players can sign up for a chance to try the closed beta running between now and April 9, 2026. If you’d rather wait, an open beta will be available on Steam from April 9 to April 11, 2026. As far as I can tell, there are no beta plans for other platforms.

The game features 4v4 matches where players sculpt their own pottery, with a strong focus on objective-based play rather than just combat.

According to the Xbox Wire blog that announced the April 23 release date, it also goes into a detailed breakdown of what to expect, so here’s a quick overview.

Kiln’s pottery system directly affects gameplay. The way you shape your pot determines stats like health, speed, and abilities, so it’s more than just cosmetic.

Smaller pots are faster and better for quick objective plays, while larger ones are slower but much tougher. Medium builds offer a balanced option depending on how you shape them.

Abilities are tied to your design too, letting you play more aggressively, support your team, or focus on control depending on your build.

That’s a very brief breakdown of what is otherwise a much deeper overview, so it’s worth checking out the full blog for more detail.

While the game is launching on Game Pass Ultimate, it will also be priced at $19.99 for the standard edition, with a $29.99 Fired Up edition that includes the base game and additional in-game cosmetics.

🎮 Are you excited for Kiln?

I am surprised to see the game's release date just be randomly announced on a Wednesday.

Double Fine has a strong track record, and it brings a unique kind of charm to its games, so I’m hopeful this one finds an audience.

That said, the concept might not be for everyone, and that’s where I’m curious to hear from you.

Let me know your thoughts on Kiln in the comments and make sure to take part in our poll below:


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Adam Hales
Contributor

Adam is a Psychology Master’s graduate passionate about gaming, community building, and digital engagement. A lifelong Xbox fan since 2001, he started with Halo: Combat Evolved and remains an avid achievement hunter. Over the years, he has engaged with several Discord communities, helping them get established and grow. Gaming has always been more than a hobby for Adam—it’s where he’s met many friends, taken on new challenges, and connected with communities that share his passion.

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