Kiln
News, coverage and analysis tracking Kiln across the outlets.
Latest coverage
'No-one puts Double Fine out of business except me', says Tim Schafer on taking Double Fine independent:…
Double Fine has become an independent studio again after parting ways with Microsoft, a move initiated by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's significant layoffs. Studio head Tim Schafer expressed that while the games industry has harsh realities, he is determined to keep Double Fine afloat and sees the transition as a creative awakening, despite having to lay off 23 employees himself.
Tim Schafer says Double Fine's unique games can be commercial hits if they can find their audience
Tim Schafer, head of Double Fine Productions, believes the studio's unique games have mass market appeal and can be commercial hits if they find the right audience. Despite recent titles like Keeper and Kiln not being profitable, Schafer argues against the 'arthouse' label and emphasizes the importance of creative freedom for the team's survival and motivation.
Double Fine Flexes Its Independence With Price Cuts And A New PS5 Release
Newly independent Double Fine Productions has announced a surprise PlayStation 5 release for its game Keeper, along with a price cut for both Keeper and Kiln. The studio also revived its Amnesia Fortnight game jam and is crowdfunding its next title, with a stretch goal for Brutal Legend 2.
Keeper PS5 Trophy Listing Indicates Impending Release – Rumor
A PlayStation Trophy listing for the adventure game Keeper suggests an impending release on PlayStation 5, following its original launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S. The article also touches on Double Fine Productions' recent independence from Microsoft, the studio's subsequent layoffs, and the positive reception of Keeper despite its niche appeal.
Double Fine confirms it owns all its games' IP and publishing rights after Xbox split
Double Fine has confirmed it retains ownership of the intellectual property and publishing rights for all its games following its split from Xbox. CEO Tim Schafer stated that while some games are still processing, buying their titles directly supports the studio. The company also plans to revive its Amnesia Fortnight game jam as a Kickstarter campaign.
The newly independent Psychonauts dev now earns all the revenue when you buy games it made under Xbox: 'Buying any…
Double Fine has become an independent studio again after leaving Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios, regaining full publishing rights and revenue for its past games. CEO Tim Schafer confirmed the transition, noting that sales now directly support the studio as it pitches new projects. The studio is also launching a Kickstarter for its Amnesia Fortnight game jam and teased updates for its game Kiln.
Free from Xbox, Double Fine returns to Kickstarter to ask fans what its next "small" game should be
Double Fine Productions, now independent from Xbox, is launching a Kickstarter campaign for "Amnesia Fortnight 2026." This project will involve a two-week game jam where backers can vote on which of the studio's ideas will be developed into prototypes and potentially a new small game. The process will be documented by 2 Player Productions, and CEO Tim Schafer confirmed the studio has regained publishing rights to its intellectual property.
Double Fine Productions suffers layoffs weeks after going independent
Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees, nearly 25% of its workforce, just weeks after becoming an independent studio following its separation from Xbox. The studio stated the layoffs were necessary for its survival and to adjust to its new size as an independent entity. This follows Xbox's broader restructuring efforts which have also impacted other studios.
Double Fine hit with layoffs after exiting Xbox - "The people we are losing were all important"
Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees as it transitions back to an independent studio after exiting Xbox. Studio head Tim Schafer stated the cuts were necessary for the studio's short-term survival. While at Xbox, Double Fine released Psychonauts 2, Keeper, and Kiln.
Double Fine Productions confirms layoffs after Xbox divestment
Double Fine Productions has confirmed layoffs affecting 23 employees as the studio seeks to ensure its future following its divestment from Xbox. Studio head Tim Schafer announced the staff reductions in a social media message. The studio recently released the party brawler Kiln.
After escaping Xbox, Double Fine lays off 23 people as Tim Schafer says "only the survival of our studio would ever make us consider such a painful action"
Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees as it transitions back to an independent studio after years under Xbox ownership. Founder Tim Schafer stated the decision was made for the studio's survival and that they are committed to supporting the affected staff. The layoffs represent roughly a quarter of the studio's workforce.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 17: PlayStation Summer Sale & Xbox Ultimate Game Sale
This weekend offers significant discounts on PlayStation and Xbox digital libraries, with sales like the PlayStation Summer Sale and Xbox Ultimate Game Sale. Notable deals include discounts on Elden Ring Nightreign, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and various first-party and third-party titles across both platforms. Nintendo also has a sale on the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 26: Steam Summer Sale and friends
Multiple PC gaming storefronts, including Steam, GOG.com, and Epic Games Store, are hosting major summer sales with thousands of deals. Notable discounts are available on titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. Some platforms also offer free titles or additional discounts for subscribers.
Psychonauts dev Double Fine responds to reports that Microsoft is shutting down the studio amid Xbox cuts
Reports indicate Microsoft is considering closing Double Fine Productions, along with Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory, as part of cost-cutting measures within its Xbox division. While no official announcement has been made, Double Fine's social media response suggests uncertainty about the studio's future and potential independence.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 12: Steam Bullet Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include a Steam Bullet Fest celebrating bullet hell and shooter games, alongside sales from various publishers and developers like Capcom, Klei, and Ubisoft. Notable titles on sale include Vampire Survivors, Returnal, and Destiny 2, with free games and bundles also available across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Amazon Luna.
XBOX Celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day with Improved Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers and More
Xbox is celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day with updates to its Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers, including a new Goal Post shape available through Xbox Design Lab. The company also refreshed its Accessible Gaming page on Xbox.com for easier navigation of features and tools. Several games like Forza Horizon 6, Kiln, Sea of Thieves, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 are highlighted for their ongoing commitment to inclusive design and accessibility features.
EDGE #424 review scores – Tomodachi Life, Pragmata, Mixtape, more
The July 2026 issue of EDGE magazine, issue #424, features review scores for several games including Mixtape, Pragmata, and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. Other titles reviewed include Aphelion, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss, and Vampire Crawlers.
Kiln Review – Double Fine’s Latest Has Charm but Limited Depth
Kiln, Double Fine's latest offering, features a charming art style and satisfying pottery-making mechanics, but its multiplayer-focused gameplay loop lacks depth and variety. The team-based "Quench" mode, while occasionally thrilling, becomes repetitive due to a limited number of stages and content, ultimately holding the game back despite its creative premise.
Kiln Review - For the love of pottery
Kiln is a 4v4 party brawler from Double Fine Productions where players sculpt their characters using a pottery wheel, impacting their abilities in battle. The game features deep customization options, strategic combat mechanics, and a social hub. While offering a fun and unique experience, the review questions its long-term player retention due to a potential lack of content variety.
