Players control Dropsy while exploring an open world in which they can interact with the environment, solve puzzles, and talk to non-player characters.

In the game, Dropsy becomes an outcast after a fire at his family's circus and must work to discover the truth behind it in order to clear his name.

[citation needed] Dropsy began on the Something Awful forums in 2008 as a choose-your-own adventure game illustrated by Jay Tholen about a clown named Dropsy; forum commentators would suggest what the character would do and the choices would be illustrated and added to the story.

[citation needed] On October 31, 2013, Tholen released a short horror-themed side game titled Dropsy and the Black Lodge.

[7] In November it was announced that Devolver Digital would be publishing the game, providing quality assurance and marketing, but not directing where the Kickstarter funds would be spent.