LA Comedy Vets Launch Studio With Bonkers Clown Game
A trio of LA improv comedy veterans has traded stage lights for game engines. Mad Herons, founded by Jacques Mouledoux, Karen Park, and Nick Park, announced their debut title today. It’s called “Send in the Clown.”
The game puts players in the shoes of Pockets, a birthday party clown. He’s fighting to save a kid’s party from total disaster. The announcement caps a two-year passion project.
LA’s Comedy Scene Meets the Gaming World
Mad Herons’ origin story is a punchline in itself. According to the studio, it was founded by a former “iCarly” writer, a SpaceX engineer, and a university professor. All three share a background in improv comedy.
The concept was first sparked at the 2024 Global Game Jam. Mouledoux, Nick Park, and collaborator Conner McCabe dreamed it up together. From there, it grew into a full team effort.
The project pulled in respected names from across the indie and AAA space. Their combined talent helped bring Pockets the Clown to life. The result blends Hollywood, aerospace, and academia into one weird game.
Big-Name Talent Joins the Bonkers Clown Game
Tyler J. Hutchison, director of “Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator,” is among the standout additions. He lent his expertise to Pockets’ facial animations. His work gives the clown his expressive, comedic edge.
Courtney Vineys also joins the cast, known for voicing Aphrodite in “Hades” and “Hades II.” She’s one of many improv comedians and voice actors on the project. Together, they voice the party’s cast of suburban oddballs.
In the game, players guide Pockets through minigames, dialogue choices, and puzzles. He must save the party from Tad, the birthday girl’s destructive little brother. Success depends on befriending guests along the way.
Those befriended guests can be called on during a final showdown against Tad. “Send in the Clown” is slated to launch on Steam later this year. Fans can wishlist the title now ahead of release.
