The new multiplayer pottery brawler, Kiln, developed by Double Fine Productions and published by Xbox Game Studios, arrived on April 23rd on Xbox Series, PC, and PlayStation 5. However, its debut on Steam has been as cold as unbaked clay. According to SteamDB, the game recorded a peak of only 193 concurrent players, a number that has already dropped below 100, repeating the poor performance of its predecessor, Keeper.
A graphics engine that fails to mold interest 🏺
Kiln uses Double Fine's proprietary engine, optimized for real-time clay physics and ceramic breakage. Technically, the game offers matches of up to 8 players in destructible scenarios with procedural object deformation. However, the lack of initial content, with only 3 maps and 2 game modes, coupled with a slow matchmaking rate in secondary regions, has limited its reach. The absence of dedicated servers on Steam has also been pointed out as a factor discouraging user retention.
The kiln goes out before it heats up 🔥
With fewer than 100 virtual potters hanging around, Kiln seems more like an empty workshop on a Sunday morning than a multiplayer brawler. Perhaps Double Fine trusted that the audience would fight to throw virtual plates, but forgot that you first need someone to throw them at. At least the few who remain can boast of being part of a select elite: those who play titles that even their own developers don't remember releasing.