With the absence of E3 for the past three years, other video game conferences have had to do a bit more heavy lifting.Gamescom 2022 is a six-day eventthat has many people excited for both expected and surprise announcements, with the latter including the world premiere reveal ofKiller Klowns from Outer Spaceby developer Teravision Games.

An asymmetrical multiplayer horror game,Killer Klowns from Outer Spacecomes from the executive director of2017’sFriday the 13th: The Game. Already, the trailer for the new release is being called the “most out of left field reveal” from Gamescom 2022, featuring as it does, well, Killer Klowns from outer space. Although not much can be gleaned about the game from the one-minute trailer,Killer Klowns from Outer Spacewill release in early 2023 on multiple platforms with beta signups available now.

RELATED:Day One Xbox Game Pass Title Darktide Gets New Gamescom Trailer

The Gamescom trailer forKiller Klowns from Outer Spacedoes its job beautifully, enticing viewers to want to learn more about this clearly zany upcomingindie game. Accompanied by a simple jingle reminiscent of an Alice Cooper song, the short clip begins with an oblivious teenager rocking out in his room as explosions and fleeing people can be seen in the street outside. The doorbell rings and waiting on the porch are three grotesque clowns hidden by a stack of pizzas, and one of them bears what looks like a plastic blaster gun.

On the game’s official website, a bit more can be learned aboutKiller Klowns from Outer Space.As seen from the Gamescom trailer, the game is set in the 80s, but many may not know that it is based on a 1988comedic horror filmof the same name. In the town of Crescent Cove, players will have to “team up and use [their] wits” to either save the locals or, as the invading Killer Klowns, harvest humans.

To combat the Klowns, players can join together as a team of seven and select their class before setting out into Crescent Cove to find loot and weapons. The goal will be to avoid the Klowns and, of course, not get smooshed while attempting to thwart the killer invasion. The space Klowns will get to play as a group of three, a somewhat unique twist on establishedasymmetrical multiplayer horror gameplay mechanics, and will have an arsenal of whacky weapons and fun abilities to aid in their hunt for humans.

As for the playing field, the map of Crescent Cove will be randomly generated and is slated to provide a variety of locations to keep things interesting. The “sprawling arena” will give plenty of opportunities for both humans and Klowns to play tactically.

Killer Klowns from Outer Spaceis scheduled to release for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X in early 2023.