During IGN Fan Fest 2026: Fall Edition, a new gameplay trailer for Send in the Clown was unveiled, showcasing the unique turn-based RPG battle that serves as the game's climax. This upcoming one-hour comedy RPG casts players as Pockets, a clown tasked with saving a 12-year-old's birthday party from her antagonistic brother, Tad.
Co-directors Nick Park and Jacques Mouledoux guided viewers through the trailer, emphasizing that the developers created an entire battle system specifically for this single, pivotal encounter. The game's narrative culminates in a turn-based RPG fight, with the preceding content serving as a humorous lead-up to this event.
Players will utilize Pockets to recruit characters and gather items, which in turn unlock unique abilities for each ally. For instance, teaching a single father to dance could activate a dance troupe attack. Assisting Miranda's friend Nasser with encouragement might unlock the 'Be a Hero' move, allowing the team to shield an ally from damage. Another example provided involves helping a mother relax by the pool, enabling her to perform an ultimate damage attack by throwing her baby at an enemy.
The trailer also teased other potential battle aids, such as finding Tad's baby photos, discovering religion, or waking Nanna. While developer Mad Herons did not reveal the specific effects of these actions, they are expected to offer significant advantages during the final confrontation.
Send in the Clown is slated for release later this year on PC via Steam. A demo for the game is currently available.