Red Dead Online players are getting upset with Rockstar’s lack of updates, so they’ve decided to protest by dressing up as clowns. Because that makes sense.

Well, it makes more sense with a bit of background info. Red Dead Online hasn’t had a major content drop since the end of last year. Since then there’ve been minor updates, bug fixes, and tweaks, but nothing to write home about, and certainly nothing to get excited about.

In order to keep from getting bored, the Red Dead Online community has gathered to create their own community events. One of those events is a monthly fashion contest organized by the Red Dead Online subreddit and fashion subreddit. Last month, the theme was “Saint-Denis,” which is Red Dead Online’s version of New Orleans. This month, it’s “The Traveling Circus.”

Why the circus? According to Red Dead Online Discord moderator Magnar, “Since we’re all clowns for believing we’ll get an update, it’s fitting that we dress up as them in-game too."

With July’s theme announced on Reddit, players have been hard at work building their clown costumes. Many examples have already been posted online, and just last weekend a “clown posse” completely took over a Red Dead Online server and got up to some clown shenanigans. This often included laughter, fighting, evil cackling, and at one point, a train hijacking.

Since balloon animals had yet to be invented (mostly due to the lack of balloons), those were not included in the weekend’s festivities.

Apparently, this is all so that players can vent their frustrations with Rockstar in a more constructive way.

“We’ve seen so many times people who are dissatisfied vent their frustrations in really negative ways,” Magnar told Polygon. “But with the Red Dead community, a lot of people still love the game, they’re just disappointed with Rockstar taking them for granted, so yes, we do still play, but we’ll vent any frustrations in a more fun, clowny way.”

A second, even larger event is planned for July 20, with details to be announced on the Red Dead Online Community Twitter account. Players should follow and stay tuned for details of when and where to be.

Source: PCGamesN, Polygon