LOTR’s Pippin is Your Ghost-Busting Sidekick in There Are No Ghosts at The Grand | gamescom 2026

There Are No Ghosts at The Grand lets you live out your fantasy of renovating a hotel, that just so happens to be haunted. We sat down to chat with Anil Glendinning, creative director and writer, and Lord of the Rings legend himself, Billy Boyd… well sorta. We got the inside track on ghost hunting, the challenges in juggling horror, musical numbers and making a fun renovation game, working with Alex Brightman, and how the open world plays! It won’t be long before you can start renovating and ghost hunting at the Grand as There Are No Ghosts at The Grand launches in December 2026 for PC (Steam, Xbox on PC) and Xbox Series X|S.

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LOTR’s Pippin is Your Ghost-Busting Sidekick in There Are No Ghosts at The Grand | gamescom 2026

At gamescom 2026, the buzz around The Grand’s latest exhibit is undeniable, and the surprise star of the show isn’t a towering boss or a dizzying puzzle mechanic—it’s Pippin Took stepping into a ghost-busting role that redefines his character for a modern audience. In There Are No Ghosts at The Grand, Tolkien’s most endearing hobbit trades quiet parlor conversations for a brisk, brave partnership that fans never knew they needed.

The exhibit positions Pippin as a nimble, witty, and persistently hopeful tracker who navigates a sprawling haunted locale with a blend of curiosity and bravado. This is a deliberate shift from the familiar Fellowship dynamics, placing a beloved sidekick into the vanguard of the supernatural, while staying true to the spirit of the Shire wanderer who always finds a way to bring light into the darkest corners. The design team has balanced nostalgia with innovation, giving Pippin modern gadgetry and a subtle, self-effacing humor that resonates with new audiences without alienating longtime fans.

From the moment visitors step into the immersive space, Pippin’s presence is felt through responsive narration, tactile props, and environmental cues that transform the Grand’s historic rooms into a living, breathing haunted gallery. The character’s voice acting carries just the right blend of mischief and earnestness, enabling players to feel a genuine bond as they work together to uncover the truth behind the whispers of the estate. This is not a simple chase; it’s an investigation that invites collaboration, curiosity, and a touch of whimsy.

Mechanically, players will rely on Pippin’s quick thinking and improvisational skills. He’s equipped with adaptive tools that blend fantasy with practical detective work—lanterns that reveal secret inscriptions, a pocket-sized chronometer that tracks ambient spectral frequencies, and a compact field kit designed for swift on-site analysis. The guidance he provides is practical and optimistic, encouraging players to observe, hypothesize, and test hypotheses in real time. The balance between Pippin’s adventure-driven confidence and the player’s strategic choices creates a flow that keeps the experience engaging without ever tipping into overwhelm.

Narratively, There Are No Ghosts at The Grand embraces a storyteller’s confidence in quiet heroism. Pippin isn’t chasing glory; he’s driven by loyalty, curiosity, and a desire to protect those who might be frightened or misled by the unknown. This makes him an ideal companion for a game world that invites moral nuance and collaborative problem-solving. As a result, the experience feels both intimate and expansive—a journey through corridors that echo with history while pointing toward a hopeful, communal resolution.

Visually, the exhibit capitalizes on The Grand’s architectural elegance, weaving spectral elements into the fabric of the space with tasteful restraint. Subtle lighting, shifting shadows, and ambient sound design create a sense of presence without sacrificing clarity for navigation. Pippin’s character design harmonizes with this aesthetic, featuring a practical garb that feels timeless and approachable, reinforcing his role as someone reliable and resourceful in the face of uncertainty.

From a thematic standpoint, the collaboration between Pippin and the player foregrounds themes of friendship, courage, and shared responsibility. It’s a reminder that even the smallest ally can become a steadfast partner in the pursuit of truth and safety. The experience honors Tolkien’s legacy by expanding the universe in a way that is accessible, entertaining, and emotionally resonant for a diverse audience.

As gamescom 2026 unfolds, There Are No Ghosts at The Grand stands out as a showcase of character-driven design, where a familiar, cherished figure steps into a fresh, dynamic role. Pippin’s ghost-busting escapade is more than a novelty; it’s a thoughtfully crafted narrative and gameplay loop that invites players to engage, collaborate, and reflect on what it means to confront the unknown together. For fans and newcomers alike, the experience promises memorable moments, genuine humor, and a renewed sense of wonder—proving once again that the best adventures are the ones we share with trusted friends.