Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game - What We Know So Far

"Killer Klowns from Outer Space" is joining the asymmetrical multiplayer movement. In addition to showing off a long-awaited PlayStation controller, Gamescom's Opening Night Live revealed "Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game." The Chiodo Brothers, who directed the movie, and John Massari, who composed it, are all involved in the game's development according to a Collider report. It joins a growing list of classic horror movies getting the video game treatment, with 2017's "Friday the 13th: The Game" seemingly serving as a proof of concept.

The movie "Killer Klowns from Outer Space," now considered a cult classic, released in 1988. It takes place in the fictional town of Crescent Cove. When a circus tent suddenly appears in the middle of the woods, locals soon realize the production and its clowns are not what they appear to be. After numerous people go missing, it's revealed that the beings known as "Klowns" are actually aliens bent on abducting the residents of the town. Similar to beloved horror IPs like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", the experience will soon be playable.

"Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game" is targeting an early 2023 release, putting it in the same release window as sci-fi action RPG "Starfield." Those interested in trying out "Killer Klowns" before that can apply for the beta on the official website. A developer on the title's Discord server said the beta will only be for PC, but that could change with future testing periods.

For the Chiodo Brothers, the project is something they've been waiting for. "When we first heard that someone wanted to make a 'Killer Klowns From Outer Space' game, we all had the same initial reaction: finally!" divulged Stephen Chiodo in a tweet. His brother, Edward, chimed in, stating, "Both Good Shepard and Teravision have killed it on this game." John Massari also took to Twitter to reveal that he had composed new music just for the game. The official Twitter account for "Killer Klowns" credited MGM Studios, which owns the rights to the movie, for giving the developers the green light.

The "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" reveal trailer shown during Opening Night Live features several Klowns that fans of the movie will recognize. It even has a few gameplay clips. It begins with a shot of a teen listening to a cassette tape while doing homework in his room. Unbeknownst to him, the Klown invasion has began, with several of them on the street chasing down other humans. When the doorbell gets the teen's attention, he checks the peephole and it surprised to see a Klown holding a stack of pizzas. As soon as he opens the door, two more Klowns appear and one fires a laser at him.

The trailer then switches to alpha gameplay footage. Some of the Klowns can be seen taking the iconic cotton candy cocoons – presumably filled with people – into their circus tent-like spaceship. One scene shows the humans holding multiple weapons that players will use, including a bat, a knife, and a shotgun. In another, a group of Klowns carries cocoons while different Klowns pursue humans. The crowds of people appear larger than the average asymmetrical multiplayer experience.

Developed by Teravision Games and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment, "Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game" will pit three Klowns against seven humans. For the Klowns, the goal is to capture the humans. The humans, on the other hand, must either outlast or disrupt the invasion. Klowns will have much of their arsenal from the movie, such as Popcorn Bazookas and Cotton Candy Rayguns. Additionally, the map's layout will be randomly generated to make each match feel distinct. According to the the official website, the game will pit players against each other, as well as the environment, and feature shifting goals.

There will be five Klowns to choose from, including, Jumbo, Shorty, and Spikey. Each will have a unique role and abilities. Spikey, for example, will have access to the Popcorn Bazooka and Balloon Dog. While lacking in sprint speed, Spikey can conjure an invisible car to chase down humans. The human classes include the usual suspects in 1980s movies: the Biker, Cop, Punk, Redneck, and Teen. Although the map will randomize its layout, it will feature landmarks like arcades and carnivals.