Double Fine: Kiln and new development insights

Double Fine Productions, the studio behind the popular titles Psychonauts and the recently released game Kiln, has recently taken an important step toward workers’ rights and organization. Founded by Tim Schafer in 2000, the studio has been part of the Xbox family since Microsoft’s acquisition in 2018. This article covers both the launch of Kiln and the recent development of worker organization within Double Fine.

About Kiln

Kiln is a unique multiplayer game in which players control pots and compete in teams of four. The goal is to sabotage the opposing team by dousing their kiln with water from the pots they own. This setup for a pottery battle brings a fresh dynamic to gaming and highlights creativity and strategy.

The development process for Kiln took nine years and originated from the studio’s Amnesia Fortnite game jam. Tim Schafer did not work directly on the game, but he did contribute ideas that eventually led to the name “Kiln.” Development was also delayed because the team had to spend time creating Psychonauts 2. Taking part in this stylish pottery showdown requires strategy, with players able to continuously craft new pots with unique properties depending on their shape and size.

Gameplay and mechanics

In Kiln, players can design new pots between rounds using a range of customization tools that unlock over time. These pots have different health levels and water capacities, giving each one unique strengths and weaknesses. The game encourages players to experiment with different designs and strategies, giving it a dynamic feel. Small changes in shape can affect the outcome of the battle, a concept Schafer emphasizes as “Shape Matters.”

There are currently six different maps available in Kiln, each with its own unique set of challenges. The game is designed to encourage players to think creatively and adapt their designs to their team’s playstyle.

The union formation

Alongside the launch of Kiln, Double Fine employees filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on May 7, 2026, to form a union. The initiative included 42 full-time and part-time employees requesting voluntary recognition of their union from Microsoft. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) represents the workers and has already said it wants to organize a union election.

This is a significant step in the gaming industry, where unions are becoming more common following challenges that have emerged from workplace culture. Formal recognition of the union will also offer insight into Microsoft’s commitment to workers’ rights, especially under new CEO Asha Sharma.

With the combination of Kiln’s innovative gameplay and the strong move toward worker organization, Double Fine remains a prominent player in the gaming industry. The ongoing development of Kiln and the newly formed union reflect the studio’s evolution under Microsoft.