Double Fine Productions, renowned for their unique and imaginative games, has taken on a new challenge with Kiln, a multiplayer pottery-themed game. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating process of creating Kiln and the delicate balance between player expression and gameplay fun.
The Evolution of Kiln
Kiln's journey began during Double Fine's Amnesia Fortnight 2017, an event where the studio's teams brainstorm and pitch wild game ideas. Lead designer Lauren Scott highlights the evolution from a simple prototype to a full-fledged project, with a focus on refining the pottery wheel mechanics.
"We wanted players to feel the impact of their creations. In the prototype, the shapes were cool, but lacked gameplay depth. So, we set out to explore and nail down the design principles that would make the pottery matter."
Lead character artist Jared Mill adds that the animation team played a crucial role, creating a comprehensive chart of all possible pot shapes and sizes, and designing characters around these unique personalities.
Overcoming Collision Challenges
One of the early hurdles was player collision detection. With 24 different pottery types, the team had to find a way to manage hitbox issues. The solution? Capsule collision, a technique that allowed cylinder-based objects to detect and interact with each other.
"We initially mapped the collision to the pot's shape, but through iteration, we settled on a simpler approach," Scott explains. "By identifying the widest and tallest points, we created a collision system that respected the player's surroundings, allowing shorter pots to squeeze through tight spaces while taller ones couldn't."
Balancing Realism and Fun
The team's experience with real-life pottery classes revealed the need to strike a balance between realism and player enjoyment. Real pottery can be frustrating and time-consuming, and the initial simulation-heavy approach in Kiln proved too challenging.
"We wanted players to experience the fantasy of throwing pots, but the initial simulation had too much friction," Scott says. "So, we shifted our focus from realism to player fantasy, removing unintuitive elements to make it more enjoyable."
Engaging Players with Pottery
Playtesting revealed an interesting phenomenon: players were so engrossed in the pottery-making process that they sometimes forgot to start the match! Mill notes that the team had to address this by implementing the "Top Shelf" system, allowing players to choose from a collection of previously made pots during a match.
"We wanted to give players the freedom to switch designs if their initial choice wasn't working out," Scott adds.
A Unique Multiplayer Experience
Kiln offers a fresh take on multiplayer gaming, combining the creative freedom of pottery sculpting with the excitement of objective-driven matches. Different pottery pieces offer unique advantages and disadvantages, adding an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay.
"The shape and design of your pot can significantly impact your movement, abilities, and water capacity," Mill explains.
Conclusion
Double Fine's Kiln is a testament to the studio's creativity and commitment to player experience. By balancing the fun of pottery sculpting with the intensity of multiplayer combat, they've crafted a truly unique and engaging game. It's a perfect example of how game developers can push the boundaries of creativity while ensuring players have a blast.
Personally, I think Kiln's approach to player expression and gameplay is a refreshing take on the multiplayer genre, and I can't wait to see what other innovative ideas Double Fine comes up with next!
