There Are No Ghosts at the Grand is a unique blend of genres, offering a surreal British ghost story where players renovate a haunted hotel, fight ghosts, and experience musical numbers. Developed by Friday Sundae, the game is set for release on PC and Xbox Series X/S in late 2026.
Game Premise and Inspiration
The story follows a young American man who arrives in a dilapidated British seaside town to renovate a run-down hotel inherited from his absent father. His power tools talk to him in a Scottish accent, locals speak baffling slang, and people occasionally burst into song. The game's creative director, Anil Glendinning, said the goal was to tell a very British ghost story. Inspired by visits to National Trust properties, the developers wanted to recreate the experience of exploring hidden, half-restored rooms.
Gameplay Mechanics
Players use power tools to strip wallpaper, rearrange furniture, vacuum, and paint rooms. At night, they fight ghosts. Characters comment on choices, room history, and even the animated paintbrush, Robert C McBrushy, inspired by real people Anil knew. The game includes musical numbers, a British twist blending comedy and horror, with voice talent from Alex Brightman and Marcia Richards. Players can skip songs and adjust an autocomplete slider for painting.
Authentic Britishness and Diversity
The game intentionally includes no glossary for slang, aiming for authentic British dialogue. Actors improvised, using natural code-switching between patois and British English. The developers want the town and characters to reflect real, diverse Britain, making the American protagonist feel out of depth.
